DRDO Transfer Another Technology to Industry, This Time its Multi Purpose Foldable Cot.
New Delhi, May 03, 2011

MoU between DRDO & Yorco Sales Pvt. for Foldable Cot

Yorco Sales Pvt. Ltd has entered into a licensing agreement with DRDO to acquire the technology of MULTI-PURPOSE FOLDABLE ARMY FIELD COT (MPAFC) developed by Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), New Delhi, one of the constituent laboratories of DRDO.

DRDO's INMAS in Delhi has developed a Multi-Purpose Foldable cot that can be carried as backpack, due to its compact folding configuration and light weight. It has been designed to be used as a stretcher for fast evacuation of jawans/patients and is also useful in all types of terrains to be used as a sleeping bed for comfortable sleep to Jawans. The accessories like pouch for toilet/ medicines and I-V fluid pole, make it suitable to use it as medical bed in emergency situations. Its backpack size and lightweight make it user friendly and important life saving device. The high strength low density aluminum alloy used in its frame is anodized to make the structure corrosion free to increase its durability and aesthetics. The fabric being used is of high strength, low weight and it is even washable.

Earlier, Yorco Sales has approached FICCI under DRDO-FICCI Accelerated Technology Assessment Commercialisation (ATAC) programme to enter into MoU for licensing agreement with DRDO for the said technology.

The DRDO - FICCI Accelerated Technology Assessment & Commercialisation (ATAC) programme is a unique initiative of DRDO and FICCI that aims for commercialisation of cutting edge technologies developed by various labs of DRDO for civilian applications.

Dr. Prahlada, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller R&D, DRDO stated that DRDO FICCI ATAC initiative said "the ATAC programme has achieved a major milestone and the present technology can be useful to not only the armed forces but also to common man.

Dr. W. Selvamurthy, DS & CCR&D (LS) stated that the technology is very effective and has utility not only in Indian market but also in international market considering its unique features. Most importantly it can cater to speedy evaluation of casualties and be used as an alternative to hospital beds in emergency situations.

Speaking on the occasion Lt. Gen. (Dr.) JR Bhardwaj, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, PHS, Former DGAFMS and Former Member NDMA stated that he has always been very confident about the utility and capability of this product and is delighted to see the technology being taken over by Yorco Sales for production and further exploitation of market.

Also Speaking on the occasion Dr. RP Tripathi, Director INMAS, Delhi informed that it is very satisfying and encouraging that MPAFC has been designed and developed by the INMAS for the usage of Indian Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Disaster Management and civil sectors. The technology has all weather and all terrain deploy ability, therefore, it will serve the purpose of the Armed Forces in the climates as humid and damp like North East to hot weather in Rajasthan and cold prevailing over Siachen

Highlighting the features of the technology Mr. S. Radhakrishnan, Director, DI2TM, DRDO informed that the present technology is a fine example of the importance Indian Defence gives to the comfort of its personnel. Mr. Radhakrishnan further informed that there is huge spin-off applications of the said technology in areas such as camping, trekking, etc.

Mr. Rakesh Arora, Director, Yorco Sales Pvt. Ltd informed that after getting the necessary approvals from the regulatory bodies and other agencies, Yorco would want to globally launch this product and with the product's unique features and hi tech design it will surely be accepted by global users.

On the occasion of the signing of MoU, Mr. Nirankar Saxena Director, FICCI said that he was delighted to see another DRDO technology coming to the market for extensive use of armed forces and common man.

The event was witnessed by the large numbers of officials from DRDO, FICCI and media persons.