DRDO Innovates Future Technology Research at Partner Institutes
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Synopsis
On February 7, 2023, the DRDO announced a realignment of its research areas to meet future technology challenges, integrating new topics like compound semiconductor technologies across its Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence.
Key Takeaways
- DRDO has expanded its research areas to address future technology challenges.
- New interdisciplinary collaborations between industry and academia are encouraged.
- 82 research verticals have replaced the previous 65 across 15 DIA-CoEs.
- New topics include compound semiconductor technologies and additive manufacturing systems.
- The LAAM System at IIT Hyderabad is a significant breakthrough for metal production.
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) In a bid to tackle upcoming technology challenges, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has restructured and expanded its research domains, incorporating topics such as compound semiconductor technologies within its Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence, an official reported on Friday.
This new structure aims to foster robust interdisciplinary, multi-institutional collaborations between industry and academia, reduce redundant efforts, and enhance resource efficiency across various institutions, as stated by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM).
The initiative will also ensure that the DRDO Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) make significant contributions to solving future technology dilemmas and shaping the landscape of defence technology.
The DFTM at the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi unveiled the updated and enhanced research verticals to direct research efforts more effectively.
Among the newly introduced research areas are ‘Compound Semiconductor Technologies’ at IITB, ‘Laser Beam Combining based Communication, Power Transmission & Manufacturing’, ‘Extraction & Recycling of Materials’ at IITH, ‘Software Defined Radios’ at IITK, ‘Emerging RF Technologies’ at IITR, and ‘Cryptography and Information Security’ at IITKgp, among others.
The restructuring and expansion of research areas align with the future technology needs of DRDO laboratories and delve into deep technology research domains.
The previous 65 Research Verticals spread across 15 DIA-CoEs have been transformed into 82 Research Verticals.
This reorganization is part of a strategic initiative aimed at refining the research focus of the DIA-CoEs while introducing advanced deep technology research areas to elevate overall research results.
Recently, the DRDO announced a notable breakthrough achieved at the DIA-CoE in IIT Hyderabad regarding the Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) System.
The application demonstration of the LAAM System utilizes powder-based directed energy deposition technology for creating rocket components.
The indigenously developed machine boasts a build volume of 1m x 1m x 3m, ranking it among the largest metal additive manufacturing machines in India.
“The methodology relies on Laser and Blown-Powder based Direct Energy Deposition technology and incorporates dual heads for thermal equilibrium and speed,” the statement added.
Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, commended the DIA-CoE, IIT Hyderabad for its successful design, development, and demonstration of the LAAM System.
This advancement will unlock new avenues for large-scale metal parts production, fostering growth and innovation in additive manufacturing within the nation, he stated.
