BENGALURU: For the first time in the tech capital, a night drone racing competition will be held by the state government in collaboration with the Indian Drone Racing League (IDRL). As a part of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2018, professionals and hobby drone enthusiasts can take part in the drone race.
Mohanram, CEO of Bengaluru Tech Summit, says, “Nano drones can be used by pilots. He or she will have a virtual headset, connected to a camera fixed on the drone. This will send live video feed directly to the pilot's goggles.” He claims it is the biggest night drone racing event to take place in India. “The race tracks on the ground will be completely lit up with LED bulbs.
The drones will fly a few feet above the ground. The track will have obstacles in its way. The competition is how well a pilot will be able to maneuver at night and how quickly they will be able to dodge obstacles and compete with other drones, while also taking care not to crash.”
As per the description of the race on the summit's website, high-speed racers fly their drones at 160 km/hr. The pilots could be professional racers, at intermediate level in IDRL or could also be amateurs. The organisers claim they are still finalising the track route, taking into account safety measures. The tech summit will happen at the Bangalore Palace and the drone race will either be in or near the grounds. A drone workshop for kids will also be conducted in the summit. “Everyone should get to experience the way technology has developed in the recent times," shared Mohanram.
Delegates from 15 countries are expected to take part in the summit, to be held between November 29 and December 1. Online applications are available for interested participants till November 25. Pilots will take part in trial run on November 29 from 1 pm. The main competition will take place on November 30 between 5 pm and 10 pm.