MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The other day, the National University of Science and Technology (MISiS) hosted a meeting on the development of robot technologies during the implementation of projects for the National Technology Initiative. Meeting participants watched a presentation of an international project to create an online site for testing unmanned equipment.
Russia’s KAMAZ Automotive Plant and IT solutions developer Cognitive Technologies have said they are ready to unveil the first Russian-made autonomous truck, an autopilot system that can detect road signs, lane markings and other vehicles. According to developers, the first autonomous commercial trucks could reach production by 2020.
Some estimates show that the use of online testing sites will make it possible to save up to two billion rubles that would otherwise be spent on real-life tests and simulated real-life situations. The Ministry of Education and Science will allocate 300 million rubles, with KAMAZ providing the remaining 90 million rubles.
Russia’s Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Alexander Povalko, thanked the University for consistent efforts to create a community of people interested in implementing ambitious research programs.
"We need to understand what is happening in the world and then chart our own priorities; he added that Russia needs to clarify its specializations. We cannot compete with the entire world in every area, but we need to have our own advantageous technologies," he explained.
Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of MISiS, noted that it was possible to implement these projects at modern universities with an innovation academic system, a well-developed research & development infrastructure and a unique creative atmosphere.
"The development of MISiS implies the advancement and promotion of its own model based on the best practices of the university system, which is adapting to the changing realities of the modern world," she said.
"The MISiS National University of Science and Technology is a good venue for implementing this project because it combines the development of new technologies and materials," said Sir Harry Bhadeshia, Tata Steel Professor of Metallurgy of the University of Cambridge and a member of MISiS University’s International Scientific Advisory Council.
Olga Uskova, Head of the Engineering Cybernetics Faculty at MISiS and Cognitive Technologies Group President, noted that Russia’s potential was enough to occupy a befitting place in the international economy of the sixth technological structure. She believes that Russia is already a leader in artificial intelligence.
