SOURCE: AFI
India’s self-reliance efforts in defense received a significant boost with the successful development of AI-powered tools for data assessment and active learning for visual data by ChiStats Labs Pvt. Ltd. This achievement comes courtesy of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, a flagship program of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
ChiStats Labs, a Pune-based data science and AI startup, emerged as the winner of DRDO’s Dare to Dream 2.0 Innovation contest. Through the TDF scheme, they received critical support to develop this groundbreaking technology. Notably, ChiStats Labs is not the first success story under the TDF scheme, which has fostered innovation and empowered startups and MSMEs to contribute to India’s defense sector.
The project focuses on creating a comprehensive diagnostic system for various parts of aero gas turbine engines (AGTEs). This translates to significant advantages for the Indian Armed Forces:
Increased Engine Longevity: By identifying potential issues early on, the system can help prevent major breakdowns and extend the lifespan of critical AGTEs.
Enhanced Operational Reliability: The AI-powered tools will facilitate a more accurate and efficient assessment of engine health. This leads to proactive maintenance and reduces the risk of unexpected failures, ensuring smooth operation and mission readiness.
The project leverages the power of modern AI and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies. The system can efficiently handle vast amounts of data, enabling rapid and highly accurate operational assessments. Importantly, the core virtual sensor framework is being developed indigenously, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance in critical defense technology.
This successful collaboration between DRDO and ChiStats Labs highlights the TDF scheme’s effectiveness in fostering innovation and building a robust domestic defense ecosystem. The development of these AI tools marks a significant step towards a more self-reliant and technologically advanced future for India’s defense sector.