An innovative engineer by the name of Milind Raj used state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in India last month to build a customised drone that would rescue a puppy stuck down a drain.
27-year-old Milind was out for his daily morning walk last month when he heard the distressed cries of an animal. On investigation, he discovered a very scared puppy trapped in a large open drain in the middle of the road. Asking around, he learned that the terrified dog had already been there for two days.
“The drain was so filthy, it was like a bog,” said Mr Raj. “It was not possible for a human to rescue the puppy without endangering their own life, so I decided to put technology to the task.”
Luckily, Mr Raj makes a career out of building robots and quickly headed to his lab to come up with an ingenious rescue plan: to attach a remotely controlled robotic arm to a giant drone.
“I decided to use the AI-controlled robotic arm because it has a smart heartbeat sensor. Attached to the drone, I knew it would be risky but may work,” he said.
After six hours of work, Mr Raj came back to the drain and put the device to work.
“The AI helped me monitor the animal’s heart rate,” he said. “If the grip was too tight, the puppy would suffocate.”

Image Credit: Milind Raj
It was a tense moment as he carefully navigated the drone, wary of not causing the weak pup too much further distress.
The operation was a success, with the wee canine making it to safety, where he vomited up plastic and drain water.
“It vomited plastic including paan masala packets that people had carelessly tossed into the drain,” said Mr Raj.
In a beautiful ending to this touching rescue story, Mr Raj has now adopted the stray puppy, naming it “Lifted.”

Image Credit: Milind Raj
THANK YOU, Mr. Raj — you’re the best — a beautiful mind AND compassionate heart — job well done.
What a wonderful man with a great idea and a very happy ending.
while I applaud his heart and accomplishment, I believe a ladder and a willingness to get wet would have been a far more expedient means… nonetheless, the man did what others apparently would not… GOD bless and keep him…
An amazing story!
WHAT A GREAT IDEA. HE’S A HERO. GOD BLESS HIM.
After all the petitions I’ve signed lately about cruelty to animals, this story has made me feel so happy and such a great ending. Thank you Mr. Raj and for making Lifted your friend and companion for life.
Love ‘Ya!
What a man! You put your fabulous skills and critical mind to excellent use, and showed us a beautiful picture of compassion. Thank you so much. May lots of good karma be yours for life … ps thanks for keeping the lovely pooch xx
Oh thank you for being so clever and caring. God Bless you and the innocent puppy.
He is my hero. Thank the Creator for people like Mr Raj.
Most loving act of kindess, care, love and compassion. Bless you and the doggie. xoxo
Mr. Raj, I love you!
May God bless this kind and brilliant man a million times over for his love and kindness to this pup. I am grateful to know that there are good people out there who will do a lot to save God’s creatures…..the ones who need our voices and actions Thank you.to save them.