Russia's breakthrough in UAV technology Drone flies with domestic AI chip

The Ivolga unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), featuring artificial intelligence and powered by a domestic microprocessor chip, has successfully undergone testing as part of the Archipelago 2024 project and educational intensives.

According to Stratim Design Bureau, this marks the first airborne test of the Ivolga drone with AI integrated into a Russian-made chip, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Stratim revealed that the drone is equipped with the Skif chip, a product of Elvis, manufactured using a 28nm process. This collaborative development represents a significant milestone, as it is the first instance of a drone using domestic chips for onboard AI operations. The microprocessor enables the drone to run neural network computations directly during flight, eliminating the need for ground station support and reducing delay.

The Ivolga drone’s AI capabilities include an advanced autopilot mode that allows it to follow a person autonomously. The neural network detects individuals within its camera frame and commands the drone to maintain a specified distance behind the person, adjusting its position in real time as the person moves.

The successful demonstration flight took place at the Pushisty Aerodrome during a specialized laboratory session on artificial intelligence. This event was a part of the broader Archipelago 2024 initiative, showcasing the integration of AI and domestic microprocessor technology in UAVs.

"Before this, no chips suitable for onboard use or such integration existed in Russia. The Archipelago event included a specialized AI laboratory, culminating in this landmark flight of the Ivolga drone," a bureau's representative added.