PRESS RELEASE
Issued by: Green Charter 2022
Kody Technolab proudly announces a strategic joint venture with Switzerland and Germany based VIRA Drones, combining European aerospace engineering with Indian manufacturing and software expertise. This collaboration will focus on developing autonomous heavy- duty cargo drones, rescue platforms, air taxis, and multi-purpose flying vehicles. With an initial €4 million investment, deployed in milestone -based phases and leveraging existing infrastructure, Kody Technolab is set for accelerated growth in advanced aerial mobility.
This venture extends Kody’s expertise in robotics, AI, and autonomous navigation into aerospace while ensuring its core business remains unaffected. A dedicated team will lead R&D, tapping into Kody’s strengths as needed, while existing operations continue seamlessly. Partnering with VIRA’s exclusive IP and aerospace expertise, Kody is securing long-term growth in a high-potential sector without disrupting its ongoing success.
Who is VIRA Drones?
VIRA Drones is a Switzerland-based innovator specializing in advanced drone technologies, electric and hybrid UAVs, eVTOL (electric Vertical Take - Off and Landing) aircraft, and helicopter solutions. With a dedicated R&D team and deep aerospace expertise, VIRA has developed groundbreaking prototypes in various sectors, including:
- Cargo and logistics drones: Addressing the global demand for rapid, efficient cargo transportation.
- Air taxis (eVTOL aircraft): Revolutionizing urban mobility through sustainable aerial transportation.
- Rescue drones: Providing critical support in disaster response and emergency management.
- Advanced helicopters: Developing specialized helicopters with innovative propulsion and flight- control technologies.
VIRA Drones brings extensive aerospace IP , proven technical leadership, and a strong track record of developing high-performance aerial vehicles tailored for real-world applications.
Why is Kody joining forces with VIRA?
As Kody Technolab continues to expand its footprint in ground robotics, our interactions with clients, industry experts, and thought leaders have highlighted a growing demand for autonomous aerial solutions that complement our existing offerings. In several R&D and proof- of- concept projects, we have collaborated with providers of such solutions, reinforcing the potential of eVTOL technology and sky robots as a natural extension of our expertise.
Our strategic decision to partner with VIRA Drones, a Swiss-based eVTOL pioneer, is grounded in a thorough market evaluation and long-term vision. VIRA has already made significant advancements in aviation, flying platforms, and eVTOL technology, demonstrating its capabilities to our team. After assessing global trends and future opportunities, we identified autonomous flying cargo platforms as a high- growth sector with applications in military logistics, cargo transport, and rescue operations.
By leveraging Kody’s strengths in AI- driven autonomy, software, navigation technology, design, and scalable manufacturing, and combining them with VIRA’s advanced aerospace R&D and exclusive IP, we are positioned to create next- generation aerial mobility solutions. Establishing a joint venture in India not only optimizes R&D costs—as Switzerland has significantly higher research expenses—but also enables cross-leveraging expertise while maintaining a cost- efficient innovation cycle.
This partnership is not a diversion but a strategic acceleration into the future of robotics. With careful planning and execution, this JV will unlock new revenue streams, expand our technology leadership, and position Kody at the forefront of autonomous sky robotics—ensuring sustainable growth without impacting our existing momentum. This is not just an expansion; it’s a calculated move to lead the next wave of automation.
Who Are Targeted Customers and Key Industries?
This JV's aerospace solutions are strategically designed to address clear, high-demand needs across specific industries and customer segments:
- Logistics and eCommerce Industry
- Emergency Response & Disaster Relief
- Defence Logistics
- Urban & Regional Air Mobility
- Healthcare and Medical Services
Strategic Focus Areas:
- Initially, Kody’s JV will strategically prioritize high-impact, high-urgency sectors like emergency response, logistics, and defense due to immediate market demand and significant growth potential.
- Medium- to long-term focus will include urban air mobility, healthcare, and agriculture/infrastructure as regulations mature and customer adoption grows.
Our Range of Innovative Aerospace Products
This JV is launching with one of the broadest and most strategically aligned UAV portfolios in the industry. Each product is engineered for real-world deployment, tailored for performance, versatility, and market impact. Critically, all products leverage Kody Technolab's advanced robotics and software capabilities - ensuring unmatched autonomy, precision, safety, and seamless system integration.
1. Universal Flying Platform (Cargo Drone)
- A heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle capable of transporting up to 1000 kg of cargo over challenging terrains.
- Designed for logistics companies, defense operations, and remote connectivity.
- No runway required; VTOL (Vertical Take - Off & Landing) capability.
- Fully autonomous navigation, optimized by Kody’s AI expertise.
2. Material-Handling Air Taxi (Defense/ Industrial)
- Rugged, military- grade drone for heavy equipment transport and tactical airlift.
- Enables safer, unmanned, high-speed logistics for armed forces in high altitude areas.
- Precision drops and autonomous operation are enhanced by Kody’s intelligent flight control systems.
3. Rescue Drone
- Rescue platform built for emergency medical delivery and disaster management rescue people from burning sky scrapper, flooding, and natural calamities.
- AI-based terrain analysis and real-time communication capabilities.
- Capable of autonomous evacuation or critical medical kit delivery and land on water.
4. Air Ambulance (eVTOL)
- Compact air ambulance designed to operate in urban or rural environments without the need for traditional helipads.
- Onboard medical equipment for rapid emergency transport within 15 minutes.
- Serves critical healthcare delivery to underpenetrated medical zones.
5. Mass Transit Air Taxi (Passenger eVTOL)
- 40-seater electric vertical-takeoff aircraft designed for urban and intercity commuting.
- Estimated 70% time savings compared to road travel.
- Sustainable, scalable solution reducing urban congestion and infrastructure needs.
6. Coaxial Rotor Helicopters
- High-speed, indigenous helicopters featuring VIRA’s coaxial rotor technology.
- Faster, safer, and more agile than traditional rotorcraft.
- Dual-use (civilian/defense), local manufacturing, reducing procurement timelines from 2.5 years to under 12 months.
Each product in our portfolio isn't just innovation for innovation's sake - it's strategically designed for direct deployment, maximum market adaptability, and global export readiness.
R&D Roadmap for the Kody-VIRA Joint Venture
Phase 1: Foundation & Planning
- Establish JV structure, governance, and operational framework.
- Set up a compact, highly skilled R&D team.
- Define technical specifications and development milestones for sky robots.
- Secure regulatory insights and initial approvals for testing.
Phase 2: Prototype Development & Testing
- Develop and test the first prototype of heavy- duty cargo drones.
- Conduct feasibility studies for rescue platforms and multi-purpose flying systems.
- Integrate Kody’s AI- driven autonomous navigation with VIRA’s eVTOL technology.
- Initiate controlled test flights in designated zones.
Phase 3: Optimization & Pilot Deployment
- Optimize designs for scalability, safety, and efficiency.
- Conduct pilot deployments for logistics, military, and emergency-response use casest.
- Engage with early adopters, including government and industrial partnerst.
- Secure further certifications and compliance approvals.
Phase 4: Market Readiness & Commercialization
- Scale manufacturing capabilities for production-ready models.
- Establish strategic partnerships for deployment in logistics, defense, and urban mobility sectors.
- Develop an ecosystem for after-sales support, maintenance, and continuous innovation.
- Expand into global markets, leveraging the JV’s unique technological edge.
This roadmap ensures a structured, milestone - driven approach, enabling rapid development without disrupting Kody Technolab’s core business while positioning the JV as a leader in autonomous aerial solutions.
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