Russia and China Cooperate on AI Training for Drones
Scientists at the Russian-Chinese MSU-PPI University in Shenzhen are training drones in artificial intelligence, Dmitry Shtarev, dean of the university's science and research faculty, told RIA Novosti on the sidelines of the Russia-China EXPO in Harbin.
According to Shtarev, drone technology is one of the actively developing scientific areas at the university.
“We are bringing to EXPO some of our development drone models. These are classic UAV models, more suitable for transporting large cargo, as well as miniature models,” he said.
In particular, the university presented a butterfly-shaped drone at EXPO. When folded, all the UAV's wings are retracted into the body; it is essentially a tube, which reduces its size during transportation. Such a drone is launched in an atypical way — simply thrown up. According to Shtarev, such drones are used specifically for monitoring natural and man-made systems, as well as gatherings of crowds.
In addition to developing drones, the university's joint laboratories are training in artificial intelligence for drones, Shtarev noted.
“Our labs analyze the images that drones receive and make independent decisions about how they should operate and how they should position themselves in space,” he said.
Shtarev notes that this area is very relevant today, especially in the context of the proliferation of autonomous delivery systems around the world. This is necessary so that drones can make decisions independently and build their own maps when they find themselves in unfamiliar places.
The main goal of the joint work in this area, as Shtarev notes, is “training artificial intelligence and developing algorithms.” He admits that in the future the developed algorithms could be sold and used in delivery drones.
MSU-PPI University in Shenzhen was established by Lomonosov Moscow State University, Beijing Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. The main tasks of the joint university are to train in China on the basis of Russian educational programs young specialists necessary for the implementation of economic projects of the two countries in the Asia-Pacific region, to develop cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples.
The 8th China-Russia Expo opened on Friday in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. This year's exhibition runs from May 17 to 21.
