SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, in association with the Skill Development Centre, New Horizon College of Engineering, organised a five-day Drone Technology Awareness Workshop from 10th to 14th August 2026 at Tejas Seminar Hall. The programme was conducted for faculty members of the Mechanical, Electronics & Communication, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering departments with technical support from NeoSky India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Manjunatha, Principal, NHCE, who highlighted the growing significance of Drone Technology and Artificial Intelligence in engineering applications. Dr. DV Sreekanth, HoD, Mechanical Engineering, outlined the vision for establishing a Drone Technology Centre and a future Robotics Lab at NHCE.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Drone Technology, UAV Classifications, Industrial Applications, and the Regulatory Framework Governing Drone Operations in India. Sessions on the Drone Rules 2021, Digital Sky Platform, NPNT Protocol, and Licensing Requirements provided insights into safe and legal drone operations. Faculty members also learned the principles of flight, including lift, thrust, drag, weight, and drone control mechanisms. Detailed discussions were conducted on drone architecture, flight controllers, motors, ESCs, sensors, and flight modes. A dedicated hands-on session enabled participants to assemble, calibrate, and successfully operate an in-house Model RPAS using Mission Planner software.

The workshop further covered Navigation Systems, GNSS Technologies, Telemetry, Communication Protocols, and Power Management in UAVs. The participants were introduced to Aviation Radiotelephony Procedures and Standard Pilot Communication Practices. Sessions on Aviation Meteorology highlighted the influence of weather conditions on drone performance and flight safety. Faculty members also gained proficiency in interpreting METAR and TAF reports, conducting pre-flight planning, and handling emergencies.

The workshop successfully enhanced both theoretical understanding and practical skills in drone technology while strengthening industry-academia collaboration through NeoSky India and supporting NHCE’s initiative to establish a dedicated Drone Technology Centre.