ideaForge Technology Limited, a leading Indian developer of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Resonia Ltd (formerly Sterlite Grid 32 Ltd) to implement drone and robotics solutions in power transmission projects across India. This partnership aims to modernize traditional practices in the design, construction, and maintenance of transmission towers and substations. By combining ideaForge’s UAV technology with Resonia’s expertise in delivering large-scale transmission infrastructure, the collaboration is expected to improve project timelines, enhance worker safety, and increase operational efficiency—particularly in challenging and remote environments.
As part of the agreement, ideaForge will provide Resonia with drone-based systems for critical applications including geospatial surveys, route planning, construction progress tracking, and real-time asset inspections. The drones, equipped with advanced payloads such as LiDAR and multispectral sensors, will enable data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance.
The partnership also includes training and certification programs by ideaForge to ensure safe and compliant UAV operations. All drone activities will be conducted in accordance with regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other relevant authorities.
Ankit Mehta, CEO of ideaForge Technology Limited, stated “Our goal is to bring advanced UAV solutions into core infrastructure sectors. This collaboration with Resonia enables us to apply high-precision aerial technology to a critical part of the energy value chain, reducing project risk while improving safety and efficiency.”
Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Resonia Ltd, added “Incorporating drone and robotics technologies across the life cycle of transmission infrastructure is key to building faster and safer networks. Through this partnership, we are addressing long-standing industry challenges such as labor shortages and execution delays, while driving sustainability.”
A notable focus of the collaboration is the deployment of heavy-lift drones to support material transport and wire stringing—tasks typically performed using helicopters or intensive manual labor. The drone-enabled automation of these functions is expected to reduce costs, minimize risks, and improve logistics in difficult terrains.
ideaForge will also develop custom software tools to provide real-time asset monitoring and health diagnostics, enabling predictive maintenance and improving overall system reliability. In addition, the agreement outlines a joint R&D roadmap to develop advanced drone applications tailored to evolving requirements in the energy sector.
ideaForge Technology Limited is a key player in India’s unmanned aerial systems sector. Since developing the country’s first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV in 2009, the company has expanded with R&D and manufacturing operations in India and the United States. Its UAV platforms are deployed across military, industrial, and emergency response operations, and the company has been ranked among the top three dual-use drone manufacturers globally by Drone Industry Insights in 2024.
Resonia Limited, previously Sterlite Grid 32 Ltd, is an Indian power transmission company with a portfolio exceeding 5,386 circuit kilometres of high-voltage lines. With a focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid, Resonia is executing projects aligned with India’s renewable energy targets—500 GW by 2030 and 900 GW by 2032. Following a corporate restructuring in 2024, Resonia became the primary entity through which Sterlite Grid 5 Ltd. and GIC of Singapore will undertake transmission projects in India.
