From controlling heavy bleeding and relieving pressure in the chest to removing shrapnel and treating wounds, the system helps doctors stabilise injured soldiers until they can be evacuated to a hospital.

A drone with robotic arms could bring trauma care to war zones

From controlling heavy bleeding and relieving pressure in the chest to removing shrapnel and treating wounds, the system helps doctors stabilise injured soldiers until they can be evacuated to a hospital.

by · India Today

In Short

  • A new robotic drone system can deliver emergency medical care to wounded soldiers
  • The system is still in the early stages of development
  • It is being developed by SS Innovations

A new drone-mounted robotic system designed to deliver emergency medical care to wounded soldiers in remote battle zones is currently being developed in India. The technology aims to help doctors stabilise injured soldiers before they can be evacuated to a hospital.

The system, called Project Vimana, was unveiled at the SSI Multi-Specialty Robotic Surgery Conference 2026. Developers say it could take one-and-a-half years before it is ready for use as it still needs to undergo trials and obtain approvals.

Developed by SS Innovations International, the project involves a heavy-lift autonomous drone carrying a compact robotic surgical system. The drone can fly to the location of an injured soldier and land nearby, allowing doctors to begin emergency medical procedures remotely.

BRINGING DOCTORS CLOSER TO THE BATTLEFIELD

The drone carries two miniature robotic arms, surgical tools and cameras that transmit live visuals to a surgeon operating from a remote command centre. Using these visuals, the doctor can control the robotic arms to perform basic trauma procedures.

"Drones can be controlled with a joystick. Once it lands, the robotic arms transmit the camera feed back to the doctor, who can then operate the robot remotely, just like we do with robotic surgery systems," said Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman and CEO, SS Innovations International.

The goal is not to perform complex surgery on the battlefield but to stabilise injured soldiers quickly until they can be transported to a medical facility.

BRIDGING THE CRITICAL TIME GAP

In combat situations, delays in reaching hospitals can be fatal. Severe injuries, especially those involving heavy bleeding, can lead to death before evacuation is possible.

“A lot of soldiers die because they bleed away and simply do not make it. The goal is to stabilise the soldier first. Once they are stabilised, they can then be transported," Dr. Srivastava said.

From controlling heavy bleeding and relieving pressure in the chest to removing shrapnel and treating wounds, the system helps doctors stabilise injured soldiers until they can be evacuated to a hospital.

It is designed to bring emergency surgical care to places where immediate medical help is otherwise difficult to reach.

STILL UNDER DEVELOPMENT

According to Dr. Srivastava, the idea of remotely controlled surgical systems has existed for decades, particularly in situations where medical teams cannot safely reach patients.

“If someone is injured, circumstances may prevent immediate transport. The idea of the drone is to reach the injured soldier quickly and provide emergency care," he said.

Developers say the system is still in the early stages of development and will undergo testing before it can be introduced for real-world use.

If successful, similar technology could also be used in disaster zones and remote locations where immediate medical access is limited.

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