GreenFuture: SALU Students Develop Drone Ambulance to Reach Flood Victims of Sindh

Sumaya Bhutto and Tohftul-Nisa Mirani, SALU Students bring drone technology in healthcare sector.

SUKKUR: Keeping in view the needs of flood victims, two girl students of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur developed a model of drone ambulance with an aim to deliver aid to the flood-hit people in Sindh province, hardly hit by the summer floods of 2022.

The two innovators, Sumaya Bhutto and Tohftul-Nisa Mirani, the final-year students of Physics Department displayed the model of drone ambulance at annual Science Expo 2023 held here. The students told that the idea behind developing an air ambulance or drone ambulance was using the drone technology in healthcare sector.

“This kind of drone can be operated where a human cannot go. Through this ambulance drone, we can reach to the stuck up people with relief medicines and first aid. Even we can get information of such people who are in need of help,” they said.

The drone could be controlled by remote control, and operated with the help of mobile phone or laptop, they said. A motor of 1000 KV has been installed in the drone, which can run the battery for 30 to 40 minutes with the speed of 70 meters per hour.

This drone can carry up to 30 kg weight, and a first aid box is also installed with the drone, said Sumaya Bhutto.She added that the drone would be able to deliver the aid to the affected people so named as air ambulance. “If we install more powerful drone motors, it could carry more weights,” said Sumaya.

The Annual Science Expo-2023 was organized by the Department of Physics & Electronics, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur in collaboration with Office of the Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) and Physics & Electronic Society. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Prof. Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar, Vice Chancellor Banazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology & Skill Development, Khairpur, Prof. Dr. Tehmina Mangan, Vice Chancellor, Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur, Mr. Zafar Abbas Abbasi, Additional Deputy Commissioner-II, Khairpur and Prof. Dr. Syed Ali Raza Shah, Principal, Khairpur Agriculture Engineering College, Khairpur jointly inaugurated the Expo.

Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said today I witnessed the different community based projects designed by our students were scientifically and technologically advanced. He said it is our prime duty to provide a conducive, congenial and viable platform for students who could perform in better and positive way. Insha Allah our students will participate in competitions at country level and in advanced world. Dr. Ibupoto said it is high time to strengthen the collaborative and consortium based approach among the students.

Prof. Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar congratulated the participants’ students. He said I am highly impressed and inspired from the work of the students. He said physics is the mother of engineering where nuclear and atomic technologies are its centric. All projects were pertaining to our societal problems and students have given its alternative and solutions. He said there is huge talent among the students of this University. He appreciated the energetic ideas and motivational approach of Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor for encouraging the students.

Prof. Dr. Tehmina Mangan said that it was wonderful, excellent and innovative work of the students. They focused on the problems which pertain to daily life, human issues, sustainability. She stressed the need to upscale the work of the students. She also appreciated the vision and leadership of the incumbent Vice Chancellor.

Mr. Zafar Abbas Abbasi said that science expo reflects the dedication of both teachers and students because students are our asset. He proposed that Khairpur Special Economic Zone will work jointly with SALU to for the capacity building of the students and community development.

Prof. Dr. Syed Ali Raza Shah said it was excellent efforts. It is the need of the hour to work jointly to embark research and development. He said it is imperative to hunt the talent for welfare of the state and for people.

Prof. Dr. Qasid Hussain Mallah, Dean Faculty of Physical Science said that this expo is the evidence of science and technology. The projects prepared by the students reflect the issues of the rural areas as well as urban culture. He said the students have exposed their talent.

Prof. Dr. Farman Ali Mangi, Chairman Department of Physics & Electronic briefed the audience that this is the regular feature to organize science expo every year. This expo aimed at to highlight its application through small scale level. He shared the progress of the Department that we are offering internship to the students at prestigious organizations i.e. Atomic Energy Commission, Pakistan Metrological Department etc. Currently we have submitted 22 projects in Higher Education Commission in which 19 are under review while 04 were approved.

Prof. Dr. Samina Rajper, Director ORIC accorded vote of thanks to the participants. She said we have also involved the local Universities of the area to strengthen the academic ties between the academia and students.

Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Incharge Students Societies Centre conducted the proceedings of the event.

Different projects were prepared i.e. Anti Sleep Alarm for Safe Driving, Smart Hand Glove for Deaf and Dumb, Wind Turbine for Energy, Train Danger Alert & Safety System, Air Ambulance/Drone for Flood Affected People, Gas Leakages Detector System, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) & Password Lock System Ardino Nano and Multipurpose Military Robot etc.

Mr. Asif Rind from Department of Physics & Electronic, SALU, Khairpur, and his team secured first position, Mr. Faraz Ali and his team from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Khairpur Campus and Mr. Ali Raza and his team from BBSUTSD, Khairpur got second and Mr. Sanjay Kumar and his team from Department of Physics & Electronic, SALU, Khairpur clinched third position.

Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 5,000 were awarded to first, second and third positions respectively.

Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Prof. Dr. Ami Hussain Shar, Prof. Dr. Abdul Hussain Shar, Prof. Dr. Khalida Mahar, Prof. Dr. Deedar Jamro, Prof. Dr. Liaquat Ali Chandio, Prof. Dr. Ali Dino Jumani, Prof. Dr. Tajnees Pirzada, Dr. Zubeda Bhatti, Prof. Gulzar Ahmed Khoso, Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Shaikh, Mr. Ishrat Ali Mirani, Mr. Mureed Hussain Ibupoto, Mr. Zohaib Shafqat Memon, Mr. Hamadullah Maitlo and others attended the expo.