- From Robotics to Drones to Tethered Drones
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 29 November 2024. Bitmapper Integration Technologies based in Pune, is new but continuously visible in India’s defence manufacturing landscape. A part of the Phoenix Group since 2021, Bitmapper specializes in creating innovative solutions for the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO labs, and other global defence organizations. In an exclusive interview with Ameya Kandalkar, Group Director, Phoenix Group, we delve into their journey, product offerings, and the vision driving their endeavors toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
ADU. Please provide an overview of Bitmapper Integration Technologies?
Ameya Kandalkar. Bitmapper Integration Technologies, established in 1998, initially focused on electronics design and manufacturing for DRDO labs, such as IRD, DLRL, and NSTL. In 2021, the Phoenix Group acquired us, which shifted our vision towards integrating and developing new products. Today, we operate two verticals: services and products. Our services vertical continues to provide electronics design and manufacturing support for missiles, torpedoes, and underwater mines. Meanwhile, our products vertical focuses on robotics, electro-optics, and drones.
ADU. Could you elaborate on the product verticals?
Ameya Kandalkar. Within the products vertical, we focus on three key areas which are robotics and inspection systems, tethered drones and electro-optics. We develop robotic systems for barrel cleaning and inspection of artillery and tank guns. Notably, we’ve created robotic inspection boards for naval guns and torpedo tubes. We design and manufacture day, thermal, and laser rangefinder cameras in-house.
Our indigenized products include the Barak target-tracking missile camera and various systems for naval destroyers and submarines. These drones, capable of continuous 12-hour operation, use tethered cables for power and communication, ensuring secure, jam-free operation. They can carry payloads of 5-10 kg, customizable for cameras, antennas, or other equipment.
ADU. What are you showcasing at Swavalamban 2024?
Ameya Kandalkar. We are showcasing several naval applications, including robotic inspection systems for SRGM guns and rocket launchers, tethered drones and barrel-cleaning equipment, which also featured in the Swavalamban Shakti exercise at Babina.
ADU. How has Bitmapper supported the Indian Armed Forces?
Ameya Kandalkar. We actively collaborate with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing tailored solutions such as Body cameras for the Air Force, Trail cameras for the Army and Indigenized cameras for the Navy. Additionally, our barrel-cleaning equipment has undergone over 15 trials with the Army, evolving into a robust, user-centric product.
ADU. Do you cater to the export market?
Ameya Kandalkar. While we are in advanced discussions with nations like the US and Indonesia, we haven’t secured international orders yet. However, the prospects are promising, and we’re optimistic about expanding globally.
ADU. How does Bitmapper address specific requirements from the armed forces?
Ameya Kandalkar. We adopt a dual approach . Initiating solutions based on observed problem statements, as seen with our barrel-cleaning systems. Customizing products in response to specific demands, such as the indigenization of the Barak tracking camera.
ADU. This is a naval show. What does Bitmapper have for seabed operations?
Ameya Kandalkar. The Underwater Camera is made for capturing high-definition images and videos during submerged operations. The camera’s high strength alloy housing allows safe camera working at depths of up to 2000m. Its fully motorized lens with zoom, focus, and iris with integrated autonomous focusing feature works in tandem with the sapphire glass window to offer crisp and clear underwater images. The camera has high resolution of FHD 1080p to 4K Ultra HD to capture videos at frame rates up to 60 fps.
ADU. Is Homeland Security a potential market for Bitmapper?
Ameya Kandalkar. Absolutely. Our body and trail cameras, as well as the integration capabilities of existing systems, make us a strong contender in the Homeland Security domain.
ADU. Any final thoughts on your journey or the defence sector in India?
Ameya Kandalkar. The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth for MSMEs like ours. However, timely orders are crucial to sustain startups in this space. Improved engagement and feedback from end-users have significantly streamlined our development processes.
Bitmapper Integration Technologies exemplifies the spirit of innovation in India’s defence sector. With cutting-edge solutions in robotics, electro-optics, and drones, the company is poised to expand its footprint both domestically and globally. Their commitment to self-reliance aligns seamlessly with India’s vision for a robust defence ecosystem.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
