Agribot from IoTechWorld is poised to revolutionise India’s agriculture industry by delivering comprehensive services nationwide.
The Gurugram-based startup, IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd, founded in 2017 by Deepak Bhardwaj and Anoop Upadhyay, manufactures agricultural drones called the Agribot and Agri Robot.
Deepak Bhardwaj explains that the company’s name, IoTech, is derived from the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT). While their current drones fly using radio signals, they are developing models that will utilise 4G and 5G networks and integrate with the Internet. IoTechWorld develops nearly all components in-house, including motor propellers, AC power distribution boards, flight controllers, ground control stations, radar, pumps, and more.
The startup’s primary focus is on agriculture, where its drones serve the main purposes of spraying plant protection chemicals, fertilisers, and similar substances. They offer two categories of drones: small, with a total weight of less than 25 kilograms, and medium, which weigh slightly more. In the small category, they have the Agribot and Agribot A6. In the medium category, they have developed the Agribot MX, which comes with various advanced features. Using a 4G network, it can transmit data to the cloud, allowing users to monitor their drones on a dashboard from their office. Although current regulations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) do not permit video transmission to customers, they have this capability available.
Their claim to fame lies in their smart-range battery and unique, patentable failsafe features. For collision avoidance, they utilise radar technology that not only detects obstacles but also navigates around them, unlike other systems that merely stop.
This startup’s software supports multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, and Marathi. Anoop explains, “We have complete control over our hardware, firmware, and software, which makes our intellectual property difficult to replicate, as it requires access to both the hardware and software components.”
The startup currently holds eight patents covering designs, architecture, component designs, software, feature designs, complete drones, and trademarks. Additionally, they have applied for ten more patents.
The startup has a presence in every state and aims for deep penetration in 12 key states this year: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Due to its large population, Madhya Pradesh is their primary user, followed by Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and the evolving market in Uttar Pradesh.
“We were a bootstrap company and faced many challenges. We operated on whatever we earned, covering employee salaries, R&D costs, and all operational expenses. It was definitely not easy, which is why the failure rate for startups is 95%. Despite this, we were determined and rigorously improved our systems. Our focus and ability to learn from our mistakes allowed us to define our boundaries and invest our time, effort, and money in the right direction,” shares Anoop.
The startup claims to manufacture 95% of the components for its drones. While they produce most parts in-house, others are sourced from contract manufacturers. Their automated assembly line can produce 15-20 drones per shift, with a monthly capacity of 300 drones, resulting in an annual production of 4000 drones. If they switch to double shifts, production can double.
The startup offers two drone models, and the whole drone package (drone, extra batteries, insurance, pilot certification, bike box, and some spares, etc) is priced between 800,000 and a million rupees. The primary distinction between the two models is the battery capacity, with one featuring a 25,200mAh battery and the other a 21,000mAh battery. Additionally, minor differences include the inclusion of a dongle that enables data to be pushed to the cloud and to servers.
The startup has sold approximately 1600 drones, with around 1000 of those sold just last year.
Their sales more than double each year. For instance, in 2021, their revenue was 20 million rupees, which grew exponentially to 100 million, then to 440 million, and is now expected to reach 900 million in just four years. This demonstrates significant growth from 20 million to 900 million in a short span.
The team consists of approximately 140 people, with 30 dedicated to R&D, around 30 in customer support, about 20 in sales and marketing, and the remaining involved in development and manufacturing.
“Our two new drone models are set to launch soon. The first model, featuring 95% Indian-made components, will be available by the end of this year or possibly in January or February of next year,” concludes Deepak.
