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A 5-day bootcamp on “Advances in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Using AI Technology,” ran from 10 – 14 April 2026 at SCET and the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT). The workshop was jointly organized by the IEEE SCET Student Branch, in collaboration with the SwaYaan (https://swayaan.meity.gov.in/about) project, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India, along with multiple IEEE SCET chapters.
SwaYaan is the short name of the project “Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drone & related technology.” This project is a national initiative by MeitY to advance the UAS/drone ecosystem in India.
With 35 participants, the workshop offered an in-depth and hands-on learning experience in emerging UAV and AI technologies. The coursework is outlined below:
Day 1 began with an inaugural ceremony attended by distinguished dignitaries, followed by foundational sessions on multirotor systems, drone architecture, sensors, and control mechanisms. Participants gained a strong understanding of flight dynamics, propulsion systems, and system design principles.
Day 2 focused on core technical aspects including GNSS-based navigation, drone electronics, communication protocols, and simulation environments. Participants were introduced to advanced tools such as Gazebo, ArduPilot SITL, and QGroundControl, enabling them to simulate real-world drone operations.
Day 3 emphasized practical learning through hands-on sessions on drone assembly, configuration, and calibration. Participants also experienced real-time drone flying, gaining confidence in handling UAV systems and understanding flight control and safety mechanisms.
Day 4 introduced artificial intelligence integration through sessions on Python programming and computer vision. Participants worked on real-time image processing, object detection, and vision-based applications, highlighting the role of AI in intelligent drone systems.
Day 5 covered geospatial analysis using QGIS, along with sessions on drone regulations and safety guidelines. The event concluded with an assessment quiz, reinforcing key concepts learned throughout the bootcamp.
Overall, the bootcamp successfully combined theoretical knowledge with extensive practical exposure, enabling participants to develop skills in drone technology, AI, and real-world problem-solving. The event significantly contributed to enhancing technical competence, fostering innovation, and inspiring participants to explore future opportunities in UAV systems and intelligent technologies.
Bootcamp participants after 5 days of hands-on drone learning and simulation. (Click to zoom.)
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