India unveils its first air taxi prototype: Here's how eVTOLs work

SRM University-AP has launched DOXI, an electric air taxi developed entirely by its undergraduate students, marking a significant milestone in India's push toward advanced aerial transportation. The unveiling took place on the university's campus on Friday, with a live demonstration of the aircraft drawing attention from officials and academics. DOXI, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, was created by Team Skyworks, a group of B. Tech students mentored by Pradyut Kumar Sanki, an associate professor and coordinator of the Center for Drone Technology at the university. The event was attended by several key figures, including C.V. Sridhar, director of the A.P. State Quantum Mission, Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar, and Dean of Research Ranjit Thapa. These individuals underscored the importance of the project, which aligns with national initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous technological innovation. DOXI features a lightweight carbon-fibre structure and is equipped with 16 motors, enabling it to achieve speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. It can sustain flights for approximately 25 minutes and carries a payload capacity of 80 kilograms, with an operational cost of around ₹3.5 per kilometer. According to the university, the aircraft is designed for multiple applications, such as urban air mobility, air ambulance services, disaster relief, and emergency response. Its design incorporates cutting-edge technologies including aerospace engineering, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, automated flight control, and communication systems. During the launch, C.V. Sridhar emphasized the potential uses of DOXI in areas like infrastructure monitoring, forest analysis, and rescue operations. Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar noted that the project exemplifies the university's dedication to fostering innovation through robust academic support and infrastructure. Pradyut Kumar Sanki, who guided the student team, stated that the success of DOXI highlights the role of mentorship and a conducive research environment in nurturing technological advancements. He added that the project showcases how young engineers can contribute meaningfully to the field of aviation and related technologies. Team Skyworks consists of ten students, each bringing specialized skills to the project. Manikanta serves as the founder, team lead, and chief test pilot. Ajit Kumar acts as co-leader, while Sai Sankar handles software development. Other members include Ch Manikanta, responsible for testing and documentation; K Manoj Kumar, focusing on power electronics; J Sai Deekshith and Ashwith, both working on avionics; B Ramprasad Reddy, managing embedded systems; Agastya Pandey, contributing to software engineering; and Sanjay, handling CAD design. Their combined expertise enabled the creation of a functional prototype within a relatively short timeframe. University administrators have expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating that DOXI reflects their commitment to developing indigenous technologies. They believe the project supports the goals of the Make in India initiative, which encourages domestic manufacturing and innovation. Additionally, they see DOXI as part of the evolving landscape of advanced urban mobility solutions, which could transform transportation in densely populated regions. The successful unveiling of DOXI signals a growing trend among Indian educational institutions to engage students in real-world technological challenges. As the country continues to invest in futuristic mobility concepts, projects like this one offer practical insights into the feasibility of eVTOL aircraft for commercial and public service applications. The university plans to further refine the design and explore partnerships for potential deployment scenarios.