Tech startup aims to shape the future of unmanned drone systems

In the latest Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) podcast, the founder of drone technology startup, Vyorius, Nishant Singh Rana, shared his journey from building drones to creating an ecosystem for unmanned drone systems management. Vyorius aims to position itself at the forefront of the drone revolution, with a vision of skies populated by millions of autonomous vehicles.

Vyorius’ evolution from a drone manufacturer to an integrated management software provider offers insights into the future of the autonomous vehicles industry. The company's pivot came after an important realization – while unmanned systems promise to reduce human intervention, current operations still require significant human involvement – a fact that undermines the very purpose of automation. 

All about enhancing accessibility 

“At Vyorius, we essentially are building an ecosystem, an infrastructure, that can enable any kind of unmanned robotic system to be operated, connected, and run at scale, so we can reduce the number of humans that you would ever require and enhance accessibility to anything with these systems...” Nishant explained.   

One of the most compelling stories from Vyorius’ journey involves their collaboration with the Indian government during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the state of Manipur in the northeastern part of the country, what typically took 1.5 hours to deliver vaccines through traditional means, involving cars, boats, and hiking, was accomplished in just 15 minutes using helicopter drones. This experience highlighted the potential and challenges of integrating unmanned systems into existing operations. 

The startup's current focus is on developing a system that can support multiple unmanned networks simultaneously, addressing critical challenges in safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Their solution aims to create a format where different enterprises can customize their own setups, whether for healthcare delivery, logistics, or public safety. 

Nishant is now based in Japan through the OIST Innovation Accelerator and is focusing on expanding into the Asian market. The company is currently raising its seed round and working with airlines, logistics companies, and drone manufacturers in Japan.  

A future where drones are essential 

Looking ahead, Nishant envisions a future where unmanned systems will transform various industries, particularly in high-frequency, high-volume operations. However, he emphasizes that this transformation is not about replacing humans but rather changing their roles to focus on higher-value activities.  

 “I think humans will focus more on higher productivity and the kind of things that can drive huge value rather than things which are just focusing on logistics or lower end spectrum of labor. I think robots and drones in general will definitely shift that and we'll see a completely new world. And I believe Vyorius will definitely be a big part in doing that and creating a very open ecosystem for any kind of unmanned system to be operated and managed by humans...” he said. 

The interview also explores broader themes relevant to entrepreneurs, including valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of “failing fast”, and the unique challenges of breaking into the Japanese market. Nishant's perspective as a founder who has worked across multiple countries offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, innovation, and global business development.  

Curious about the future of drones and autonomous systems? The full podcast offers detailed insights into the technology, safety protocols, and challenges of scaling autonomous operations in complex environments. For more on Vyorius’ innovative approach and Nishant’s entrepreneurial advice, listen to the OIST podcast episode here.