Optiemus Infracom Enters into Drones Manufacturing: IMC 2023

With an unprecedented turnout of over 1.5 lakh attendees from 67 countries, the seventh edition of the India Mobile Congress 2023 brought together representatives from the technology, telecom, and start-up industries.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) collaborated to conduct the largest telecom, media, and technology convention in Asia. The three-day exhibition/forum, with the subject "Global Digital Innovation," took place from October 27–29 and was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Optiemus Infracom Limited (OIL), one of India's top manufacturers of electronics and telecommunications, participated in the IMC 2023, announced its entry into the unmanned systems space with the launch of highly precise, technologically advanced drones that are designed and made in India. IMC, 2023 Exhibition which aimed to showcase the country's expertise in technologies like cybersecurity, 5G, and 6G witnessed some great innovations at this technology forum.

With PM Modi announcing ‘100 5G lab Initiative’ to develop 5G applications towards building a 6G-ready ecosystem in the country, the forum witnessed over 620 use cases displayed across Technology & Telecom, Govt & PSUs and Startups Sector.

Products and Technology showcased by Optiemus at IMC 2023

A diverse range of drones was showcased at India Mobile Congress 2023. The products presented by Optiemus Infracom contain state-of-the-art technology, including advanced sensors, secure communication systems and strict security protocols.

Optiemus Infracom will invest ₹ 250 crore in the company's new division, Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS). The company is at the forefront of research, development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), as OUS leverages the cutting-edge synergies of Optiemus Electronics and moves to the market opportunities of Optiemus Infracom to deliver its quality. Drones in India.

The company's latest initiative is in line with the government's 'Make in India' initiative. An initiative in conjunction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat program to create original products that are designed and manufactured in India.

OUS uses its experience and expertise to design and manufacture the latest drones that serve a variety of applications such as defense, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, mining, rail and oil and gas. Drones are also used in asset management, disaster management, delivery, mapping and surveying and precision agriculture.

Ashoek K Gupta, Chairman, Optiemus Infracom Limited, said, “Technology for All, our guiding beacon has been showing us the way. Optiemus Unmanned Systems is committed to design and manufacture reliable unmanned systems for today and tomorrow. As data security is a major concern, we are focused on localization, and sourcing parts from trusted partners and trusted locations as per government guidelines. We have already localized Autopilot, Motor Controller, GNSS receiver and Power Management System. We will also provide comprehensive support for maintenance; repairs including spare parts and upgrade our deployed drones.”

With a goal to achieve up to 65% indigenization within a year of launch, OUS aims to make its products export-ready, expand offerings in smarter payloads, and enhance product autonomy with a broader range of unmanned vehicles for various terrains.

Here are the Excerpts from the Interaction that we (PCQuest) had with Ashoek K Gupta, Chairman, Optiemus Infracom Limited

PCQ: How has been the experience so far in creating this innovation?

Ashoek K Gupta: You see the vision our honorable Prime Minister is from day 1 is make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, R&D, localization, value addition and employee. Unfortunately whatever we are doing since last 30 years in mobile laptop about everything was given by other countries whether it R&D , Supply chain and we used to just assemble the products that's why we are struggling for that economy of scale in that area.

Fortunately this area, drone is not yet started, if you go by 1995, Mobile industry started but it took off in 2002. It's the same thing here, without government support and banned on global import there is no competition but it will create in-house R&D, engineers, and localization which will lead to support by OEL and OIL to make it enter into market.

PCQ: What is your vision for OUS in India in coming years and which area of field this Technology will cater to?

Ashoek K Gupta: This is a very immense area which you and nobody can assume as of now like Jack Mas says when everybody said don't do it then do it. This is the area where India will become a superpower, because ultimately there will be time when Drones will be impacting large area of work including, mining, Oil &Gas, logistics, Defense, medical supplies, agriculture etc.

We are on initially stages of it and we are blessed this is area where you just need to focus on innovation rather than finding your target market, which will be taken care ultimately through localization. We are here to create a supply chain which is localized all right as this is a very thrilling area as of now for next 10- 20 years where India can become the superpower and it will.

PCQ: What is your approach in initially bringing it to India Market?

Ashoek K Gupta: See our range of Drones are here for everything, we want to develop solutions for everything. My approach is innovation then through trial, localization and then hit market. See there is no point in providing service if your products parts are being imported from outside. We are focused on designing and localization and so that any challenges can be tackled in near future.