Robotics, Internet of Things and Drone Technology
INTRODUCTION
Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering (SPCE) has taken a pioneering step in fostering innovation and hands-on learning by establishing a state-of-the-art e-Yantra – Embedded Systems & Robotics Lab. Recognizing the growing importance of automation and intelligent systems in engineering education, SPCE has collaborated with e-Yantra, an initiative by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) and supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT).
The e-Yantra Lab Setup Initiative (eLSI) empowers institutions like SPCE to cultivate a culture of project-based learning (PBL) and “Learning by Doing” in the domains of Embedded Systems and Robotics. Through this initiative, faculty members receive specialized training from IIT Bombay, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Additionally, e-Yantra provides mentorship in setting up a fully functional robotics lab, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies.
By integrating workshops, online Task-Based Training (TBT), Project Competition and continuous guidance, SPCE’s Robotics Lab aims to nurture problem-solving skills, innovation, and technical proficiency among students, preparing them for future challenges in automation and robotics. This initiative underscores SPCE’s commitment to excellence in engineering education and its vision to bridge the gap between academia and industry demands.
OBJECTIVES
The lab aims to:
- Enhance Practical Learning – Provide students with hands-on experience in designing, programming, and implementing embedded and robotic systems through project-based learning (PBL).
- Develop Industry-Relevant Skills – Equip students with programming, electronics, and automation skills that align with current industry demands.
- Foster Innovation & Problem-Solving – Encourage students to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges using robotics and IoT technologies.
- Faculty Empowerment – Train faculty members through e-Yantra workshops and Task-Based Training (TBT), enabling them to guide students effectively in embedded systems and robotics.
- Promote Research & Development – Support student and faculty research projects in AI-driven robotics, automation, and smart systems, fostering a culture of R&D.
- Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Facilitate teamwork among students from different engineering disciplines (Computer, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.) to work on multidisciplinary robotics projects.
- Bridge the Academia-Industry Gap – Prepare students for careers in robotics, automation, and embedded systems by providing exposure to industry-standard tools and methodologies.
By achieving these objectives, the lab aims to nurture future-ready engineers capable of contributing to advancements in automation, robotics, and smart technologies.
OUTCOME
- Skill Development & Hands-on Expertise
Students will gain practical proficiency in embedded systems, microcontroller programming, robotics, and automation. Enhanced problem-solving abilities through real-world project implementation (e.g., line-following robots, IoT-based automation, drone systems). - Increased Innovation & Project Output
Rise in student-led projects, prototypes, and research papers in robotics and AI. Participation in national/international competitions (e.g., e-Yantra Robotics Competition eYRC, Smart India Hackathon). - Faculty & Institutional Growth
Faculty members will be trained and certified by IIT Bombay, improving teaching methodologies in embedded systems. Strengthened industry-academia collaboration through workshops, expert talks, and hands-on projects. - Research & Entrepreneurship
Motivation for research publications in robotics and automation. Encouragement of start-up culture with student-led ventures in robotics and IoT. - Employability & Career Advancement
Improved placement opportunities in core sectors like robotics, embedded systems, and automation. Students will be better prepared for higher studies (MTech/MS/PhD) in AI, robotics, and related fields. - Sustainable Lab Ecosystem
A self-sustaining lab model where senior students mentor juniors, ensuring continuous learning. Long-term collaborations with industries and research organizations for live projects and internships.
INTRODUCTION
The Internet of Things (IoT) Lab at Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering is a cutting-edge facility designed to explore the transformative potential of connected devices and smart systems. As the world moves toward automation and data-driven decision-making, IoT has emerged as a revolutionary technology that integrates sensors, embedded systems, cloud computing, and wireless communication to create intelligent networks.
This lab provides students and researchers with hands-on experience in designing, developing, and deploying IoT solutions for real-world applications — from smart homes and industrial automation to healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Equipped with state-of-the-art hardware (such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266/ESP32 modules), and cloud platforms, the lab fosters innovation in wireless sensor networks, edge computing, and AI-powered IoT systems. Through project-based learning, participants gain practical skills in IoT prototyping, data analytics, and cybersecurity, preparing them for careers in the rapidly expanding IoT industry.
By bridging the gap between hardware, software, and connectivity, the IoT Lab serves as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, empowering the next generation of engineers to build a smarter, more connected world.
OBJECTIVES
The IoT Lab is designed to equip students, researchers, and professionals with industry-aligned skills and foster innovation in smart technologies. Upon completing training and projects in the lab, participants will achieve the following outcomes:
- Technical Competencies
- Sensor Interfacing & Data Acquisition – Ability to integrate temperature, motion, gas, and biomedical sensors with microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi).
- Wireless Communication – Hands-on experience with Wi-Fi, BLE, LoRa, Zigbee, and cellular IoT (NB-IoT).
- Cloud & Edge Computing – Proficiency in data processing and visualization.
- IoT Security – Understanding of encryption, secure device authentication, and vulnerability assessment.
- Project Development & Innovation
- Real-World Prototypes – Build functional IoT systems like:
- Smart Home Automation (Voice-controlled lights, security systems).
- Precision Agriculture (Soil moisture-based irrigation).
- Industrial Predictive Maintenance (Vibration/current sensor analytics).
- AI & Machine Learning Integration – Implement edge AI for anomaly detection and predictive analytics.
- Real-World Prototypes – Build functional IoT systems like:
- Career & Industry Readiness
- Placement Opportunities – Prepared for roles in IoT engineering, embedded systems, and automation.
- Entrepreneurship – Ability to launch IoT-based startups (e.g., smart wearables, asset tracking).
- Certifications & Hackathons – Competitive edge through IoT certifications (Cisco IoT, AWS IoT) and hackathon wins.
- Research & Publications
- Research Projects – Contribute to IoT-based papers and patents.
- Collaborations – Work with industries on smart city, healthcare, and Industry 4.0 solutions.
- Societal Impact
- Sustainable Solutions – Develop energy-efficient and eco-friendly IoT applications.
- Smart Community Projects – Deploy IoT for traffic management, waste monitoring, and water conservation.
OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the laboratory course, students will be able to:
1. Apply Theoretical Knowledge Practically• Apply principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering to real-life experimental setups and interpret their outcomes.
2. Experimental Skills and Data Analysis• Design and perform experiments, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data with attention to accuracy, precision, and error analysis.
3. Problem Solving Through Experimentation• Identify physical problems, develop hypotheses, and test them through structured experiments.
• Draw logical conclusions and validate theoretical predictions with experimental evidence.
4. Understanding Engineering Constraints• Evaluate the feasibility of physical systems and processes within realistic constraints, including economic, environmental, and ethical factors.
5. Ethical Practices and Professional Responsibility• Understand the importance of ethical conduct in scientific experimentation and the responsible use of laboratory equipment and data.
6. Awareness of Broader Impact• Relate laboratory outcomes to global and societal contexts, appreciating the broader impact of physics in engineering applications.
INTRODUCTION
At Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, the Drone Technology Lab is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and hands-on learning in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As drones revolutionize industries—from agriculture and surveillance to logistics and disaster management—our lab serves as a hub for students, researchers, and industry partners to explore the full potential of this transformative technology.
Equipped with multi-rotor drones, the lab provides a platform for:
- Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics – Understanding lift, thrust, and control mechanisms.
- Autonomous Navigation – Implementing GPS, computer vision (OpenCV), and AI for obstacle avoidance and path planning.
- Payload Integration – Testing sensors (LiDAR, thermal cameras, multispectral) for specialized applications.
- Regulatory Compliance – Aligning with DGCA/FAA drone policies for safe and legal operations.
Through project-based learning, participants gain expertise in drone design, propulsion systems, embedded controllers (Pixhawk), and real-time data processing. The lab also fosters industry collaborations and entrepreneurial ventures in emerging fields like drone delivery, precision agriculture, and smart city infrastructure.
OBJECTIVES
- Provide hands-on experience in drone assembly, programming, and maintenance.
- Train students in flight control systems (PX4, ArduPilot) and autonomous navigation.
- Develop expertise in sensor integration (LiDAR, multispectral cameras, thermal imaging).
- Advance UAV technologies in aerodynamics, propulsion, and energy efficiency.
- Conduct cutting-edge research in AI-powered autonomous systems.
- Explore swarm robotics and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations.
- Develop solutions for precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response.
- Foster innovation in drone delivery systems and urban air mobility.
- Create prototypes for environmental monitoring and smart city applications.
- Educate on DGCA/FAA compliance and airspace regulations.
- Promote safe drone operations and ethical use of UAV technology.
- Implement risk assessment and mitigation protocols.
- Incubate student-led startups in drone technology.
- Prepare students for careers in UAV engineering and operations.
- Facilitate industry collaborations and internship opportunities.
- Support graduate and postgraduate research projects.
- Publish findings in reputed journals and conferences.
- Participate in national/international drone competitions.
- Develop solutions for humanitarian aid and disaster management.
- Create affordable technologies for rural development.
- Promote sustainable drone applications in environmental conservation.
- Bridge aerospace, robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering.
- Foster teamwork across engineering disciplines.
- Encourage cross-departmental research initiatives.
OUTCOMES
The Drone Technology Lab is designed to equip students, researchers, and industry professionals with practical skills, research capabilities, and industry-relevant expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Upon completing training and projects in the lab, participants will achieve the following outcomes:
1. Technical & Operational Skills
- Drone Assembly & Maintenance – Hands-on experience in building, repairing, and optimizing UAVs.
- Flight Control Systems – Proficiency in PX4, ArduPilot, and ROS (Robot Operating System) for autonomous navigation.
- Sensor Integration & Data Processing – Ability to deploy LiDAR, multispectral cameras, thermal imaging, and RTK-GPS for specialized applications.
- AI & Computer Vision – Skills in object detection, obstacle avoidance, and swarm intelligence using OpenCV, TensorFlow, and YOLO.
2. Research & Innovation
- Published Research Papers & Patents – Contributions to UAV aerodynamics, energy-efficient propulsion, and AI-based autonomy.
- Prototype Development – Functional drones for agriculture, surveillance, delivery, disaster response (Fire Safety, Flood Management), healthcare.
- Advanced Testing & Simulation – Experience in CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, and hardware-in-loop (HIL) simulations.
3. Industry & Career Readiness
- DGCA/FAA Certification – Training for remote pilot licenses (RPL) and commercial drone operations.
- Placement Opportunities – Prepared for careers in drone engineering, aerial surveying, and UAV startups.
- Entrepreneurship – Ability to launch drone-based businesses (e.g., Agricultural Drones, Inspection Services, Surveillance Drones).
4. Competitions & Hackathons
- National/International UAV Competitions – Participation in events like AUVSI SUAS, DJI Developer Challenge.
- Hackathon Wins – Innovative solutions in drone logistics, smart cities, and environmental monitoring.
5. Societal & Environmental Impact
- Precision Agriculture – Improved crop monitoring and pesticide efficiency.
- Disaster Management – Drones for search & rescue, medical delivery, and damage assessment.
- Wildlife Conservation – Anti-poaching surveillance and habitat mapping.
6. Industry Collaboration
- Live Projects with Drone Companies – Partnerships with DJI, Skydio, and AgEagle.
- Government & Defense Applications – Research in border surveillance, traffic monitoring, and smart city projects.
