SoDIUM: Software Development the catalyst for the Indian Un-Manned Dreams

Yes, as sodium is volatilely explosive yet essentially beneficial, it is indeed true that in comparison with the
drone ecosystem software will play a similar role like sodium.

THE FUTURE OF DRONES ARE SOFTWARE DEFINED

…. A major step that India needs to address in becoming the drone hub for the world

As per the Forbes Business Insights, the global drone software market size was USD 1,165.3 million in 2019 and is
projected to reach USD 5,961.6 million in 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 25.05% during the forecast period.
As drone hardware reaches a state of little or no change following a period of rapid progress and activity, it is well
versed that the software domain will enable the industry to drive and help reach the industry forward with new
applications for drones. Software not only makes the use case autonomous, but it enables and transforms the drone
usage easier and more convenient to use.
Drone industry is in a state of transformation: Drone hardware is a critical part of any drone operation; the
software platform is the one that powers it and the services they are connected to. Unlike in the automotive industry
100 years ago, having thousands of manufacturers building components to their unique specification will not help in
scaling. Hence standardization is necessary to achieve scale.
In order to standardise the drone ecosystem, the software domains can be categorised into four segmentations namely
architecture, platform, application, and geography.
1. Architecture:
a. Open Source – Easily available for users across the globe free of cost which will enable full segment growth.
Ex: Px4, ArduPilot.
b. Closed Source – Higher CAGR in the market due to growing demands for secured and customized
architecture software for commercial and military users.
 2. Platform:
a. App based software – High demand for mobile based platforms in various industries as it provides cost
effective solutions for many end-users due to high convenience.
b. Desktop based software – high preference for desktop software in the computers for data collection,
processing & analysis applications.
3. Applications:
a. Analytics –High demand for photogrammetry software in 3D map generation.
b. Image Processing – Increasing demand for UAV software due to effective battle management & analytics
systems providing with accurate information.
c. Control & Data Capture – UAV software is exclusively used to control the flight operations from remote
sensing. The transmission of radio signals to UAVs in performing various flight modes are provided through
the GCS.
4. Geography:
a. North America – High demand due to increased number of companies providing commercial & military
software development solutions.
b. Europe – expected to grow at a moderate rate owing to rising demand in commercial & military drones.
Companies are focused on developing cost effective & advanced UAVs with self take off & landing capabilities.
c. Asia Pacific – Expected to exhibit strong growth due to increased adoption of UAV in different industries.
Heavy investments for acquisition & development
d. Rest of World – lower drone market share owing to limited opportunities for the companies.
Switzerland’s roadmap towards becoming the world’s leading location for development of core technology and high-end
applications for drones:
Some of the major interventions that can be taken in the computing and software domain to reach these goals are as
listed below:
a. Easy to use interface to be developed
b. An open-source software architecture to be developed by India which will be compatible for connecting the Air
Traffic Services (ATS), Digital Sky platform (DSP) operators through the Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM).
c. This open-source software can be deployed or be enforced to be used by the Flight Training Organisations
(FTOs) | Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO). As the same UI/UX will help in the scalability of the
operations.
 d. Eliminates the need for manual updates for changing the behaviour & capability of system
e. Update and Maintain the drone like a smartphone
f. Enabling and increasing the level of standardization and scalability

Did You Know?

Conversion of DAN to UIN extended till 31 March 2022:
DAN holders can now apply UIN in DigitalSky platform
Please follow below steps:
1. Register and create a profile in the DigitalSky platform, if not already created
2. Provide Details of the UAS including model name, serial no and click on Apply UIN
3. Provide DAN details. These details shall be validated by the system
4. Confirm the validated DAN details and applicant’s identity through OTP
5. Provide GST invoice details for the DAN
6. Preview the Form D2 and make the required payment
7. Submit the Form D2 - Application for Registration of UIN

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