VECROS: Pioneering Drone Technology in India
The Indian startup VECROS is at the forefront of drone technology, introducing its innovative autonomous UAV platform, ATHERA1, which utilizes HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology.
Founders and Vision
Established in early 2021 by alumni from IIT Delhi and NIT Nagpur, VECROS stands as India’s first Spatial AI drone enterprise. The company aims to create fully autonomous drones capable of functioning in environments where GPS signals are unavailable. The ATHERA1 model boasts autonomy level 4, allowing it to navigate obstacles and execute intricate tasks independently, without human oversight or external navigation aids.
from Concept to Reality
The journey of VECROS began with prototypes developed during the founders’ academic years.Today, the company is leading the charge in the realm of next-generation autonomous flight. Thier goal is to engineer the most smart aerial vehicles by incorporating Spatial AI, enabling drones to traverse complex three-dimensional spaces with safety and efficiency.
Embracing Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
To realize the sophisticated design of ATHERA, VECROS turned to HP’s MJF 3D printing technology. Initially, the team experimented with Fused deposition Modeling (FDM) but encountered challenges related to surface quality and material properties. “At the outset of our design process for ATHERA, we were primarily familiar with FDM,” shares Rajeshree Deotalu, CTO of VECROS. After evaluating other methods like Stereolithography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), the team opted for HP MJF due to its superior finish, structural robustness, and design versatility.
Benefits of HP MJF Technology
“Our choice of HP MJF was influenced by its lack of need for support structures and the flexibility it offers in build plate dimensions,” explains Deepak Kumar, Head of Hardware at VECROS. “This technology allows us to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our designs. As a notable example, the components produced exhibit a smoother surface finish with minimal layer visibility and improved durability.” VECROS employs HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 material and enhances the components with polyurethane paint.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
According to Rajeshree and Deepak, “The MJF process from HP has provided us with the adaptability to incorporate all necessary features and mechanisms without incurring excessive time or costs.” CEO besta prem Sai added, “The current design aligns perfectly with our initial vision.The results are promising, and we have successfully conducted field tests.”
Impact Across Industries
With its proven capabilities, ATHERA is already making waves in various sectors, including mining, construction, oil and gas, telecommunications, and infrastructure monitoring, positioning VECROS as a leader in autonomous aerial solutions.
Upcoming Exhibition at Drone International Expo 2025
HP Additive Manufacturing, in collaboration with Redington, will showcase their innovations at the Drone International expo 2025 in India, taking place from July 31 to August 1, 2025. Visit HP Additive at Hall No. 12, booths D40 and D41 to discover how their cutting-edge 3D printing technologies are revolutionizing UAV design and manufacturing in the region.
