Research



Research Interests

Our research focuses on the development of intelligent, autonomous, connected, and sustainable cyber-physical systems by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), multi-modal sensing, autonomous navigation, wireless communication, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The research spans autonomous vehicles, UAVs and aerial systems, intelligent transportation, AI-based sensing, smart agriculture, healthcare, IoT, wireless sensor networks, cybersecurity, and next-generation communication systems. A key emphasis is placed on translating AI and sensing technologies from laboratory research into real-world platforms, field deployments, and large-scale experimental testbeds.



The research work mainly focuses on the following areas:

TIHAN Testbed:
The TIHAN Testbed is a state-of-the-art facility for developing, integrating, simulating, testing, and validating autonomous navigation technologies for aerial and terrestrial systems. It includes proving grounds, test tracks, hangars, ground control stations, and MIL, SIL, HIL, and VIL simulation facilities. The testbed provides smart road infrastructure, intersections, environmental emulation, drone runways, and advanced Wi-Fi, BVLOS, C-V2X, 5G, and edge-cloud infrastructure. Testing and validation are supported in accordance with relevant ISO, NCAP, and UNECE standards.

TIAND Datasets:
TIAND comprises curated multimodal datasets covering cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS/IMU, V2X communication, and underwater SONAR sensing. Aerial datasets include RGB, multispectral, and hyperspectral imagery for crop monitoring, phenotyping, crop classification, tassel/panicle detection, and early water-stress identification. The datasets were collected across multiple seasons and locations, including Hyderabad and in collaboration with ICRISAT and PJTSAU. Additional benchmark datasets support paddy growth-stage recognition and other AI-based perception and sensing applications.

Autonomous Ground Vehicles:
Research focuses on AI-driven autonomous navigation for safe, robust, and adaptive ground vehicles in complex real-world environments. It encompasses multimodal perception, sensor fusion, traffic scene understanding, vehicle behaviour modelling, and intelligent decision-making. In-house autonomous driving platforms support real-world development and validation of perception, navigation, decision-making, and vehicle-control technologies.

Aerial Vehicles:
Research focuses on intelligent autonomous aerial vehicles for navigation, sensing, surveillance, logistics, agriculture, and transportation applications. It encompasses autonomous UAV navigation and control, multimodal sensing, payload delivery, heavy-payload cargo drones, and fault-tolerant aerial systems. Research also includes high-endurance e-VTOL platforms, UAV communication and networking, anti-jamming technologies, and autonomous operation in challenging environments. Emerging work explores urban air mobility and air-taxi technologies for safe, efficient, and sustainable future transportation.

AI-Enabled Healthcare:
Research focuses on AI- and IoT-enabled healthcare systems for medical imaging, remote diagnostics, and accessible healthcare applications. It includes ultrasound image analysis, organ detection, medical image segmentation and classification, and automated diagnostic assistance. Brain-controlled IoT research integrates brain-computer interfaces, AI, embedded systems, and low-power wireless networks for human-centric assistive cyber-physical environments.

IoT, Wireless Networks and Cybersecurity:
Research focuses on intelligent and energy-efficient IoT and wireless sensor networks for sensing and communication. It includes AI-based adaptive communication, dense IoT networks, environmental monitoring, and green communications. Research also addresses IoT cybersecurity, intrusion detection, and lightweight security for resource-constrained networks. Cognitive radio research explores intelligent spectrum sensing, dynamic spectrum access, and sustainable wireless communication.