On February 6, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Council on Science and Education. The main topic of discussion was the training of engineering personnel from career guidance in kindergartens and schools to industrial postgraduate studies in universities. All participants of the meeting noted that Advanced engineering schools have become the most successful case study in recent years to ensure the priority areas of scientific and technological development of Russia with engineering personnel.

The Faculty of Cyberplatform Engineering has been successfully operating in the structure of the Southern Federal University in Taganrog since 2022, where more than 600 people study. As part of the press tour on February 7, Don journalists visited the high-tech laboratories of the School and learned about the projects that engineers of the future are working on.

Smart factory in SFedU

The smart factory is focused on the development of technologies in the field of microelectronics and photonics, the creation of prototypes of energy converters, an element base for quantum communications and computing. Oleg Ilyin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, told about the work of the factory.

"The factory is engaged in developments in the field of microelectronics and photonics, using various materials besides the well-known silicon. We pay special attention to nanogenerators capable of converting mechanical action into an electrical signal, which can be used to create energy-efficient and sensitive electronic devices. These technologies can be used, for example, in sensors for prosthetics, improving their sensitivity," Oleg Ilyin shared.

The smart factory at SFedU is already carrying out projects upon request from industrial partners. As part of the RNF Microelectronics technology competition, where Element Group is the customer, a project to create encapsulated MEMS technology is being implemented at the factory.

Laboratory for the design of on-board systems of robotic complexes at SFedU

The purpose of the laboratory is to carry out high-tech work in the interests of industrial partners and strengthen the competencies of SFedU students in the field of design, algorithmic and software engineering, prototyping, information protection of on-board systems of robotic complexes, as well as the development of competitive robotics at the Advanced Engineering School of SFedU. Vladislav Khvorost, the head of the laboratory, spoke about the laboratory.

"The development of on-board systems for robotic complexes, carried out at the SFedU, includes the design of navigation systems, communications, technical vision and the creation of control systems for autonomous and group robotic complexes. The "vision" of drones consists of visible, infrared and radar ranges using neural networks and artificial intelligence. The laboratory does not manufacture robots itself, but focuses on the development of control software," explained Vladislav Khvorost.

The laboratory uses equipment based on Russian electronic components and ECB from friendly countries, which makes it possible to create fully domestic intelligent control systems. The laboratory's partners are the Foundation for Advanced Research, Ural Civil Aviation Plant JSC, CT-Unmanned Systems JSC, MT Rubin Central Design Bureau JSC, and Airburg JSC.

Laboratory of Agrodrons, SFedU

The purpose of this laboratory is to perform high–tech work in the interests of industrial partners related to agriculture and to develop the competencies of students of the SFedU Faculty of Economics in the field of algorithmic and software engineering, autonomous groups of agricultural UAVs, which are in demand by the agroindustry.

Mikhail Medvedev, Head of the Cyberphysical Platforms Division at SFedU, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, said that UAVs are extremely effective for applying plant protection products to the surface of soil cover, monitoring agricultural fields, and much more.

"The laboratory employs students of different levels, from undergraduates to postgraduates. Their projects include the development of autonomous ground and aerial robotic systems, and group application systems. Right now we are creating a navigation system that allows us to launch drones without satellite navigation. There are projects in the field of technical vision, radar, and the development of new types of agricultural copters — all these are orders from industrial partners," said Mikhail Medvedev.

Computer-aided analysis and digital design technologies, 3D printing and digital 3D modeling are used in the process of project execution.

SKB "KIT" Institute of Computer Technologies and Information Security SFedU

The KIT Student Design Bureau was established on the basis of the SFedU Institute of Computer Technology and Information Security in order to develop the technical creativity of students. Here, students create real technology projects under the guidance of mentors from the university and business.

SKB Head Vladimir Kutkov emphasized that in addition, KIT allows young developers and engineers to find a team of like-minded people, gain access to modern equipment, and meet future employers. Students and staff participate in the implementation of projects and various events, such as exhibitions of inventions, design and investment sessions, hackathons.

"The KIT Design Bureau has seven laboratories, including laboratories for mobile development, computer vision, 3D printing and prototyping, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, cybersecurity, and smart technologies.

For the past 10 years, we have been improving our internal processes, expanding our team, and improving the quality of our solutions in order to reach new heights. We actively share our experience with other universities and contribute to the development of student scientific and technical creativity. SKB is the first serious step for our students, thanks to which they receive professional skills and their first paid job. However, being a scientist is not only a job, but also a lifestyle filled with curiosity and a desire to improve the world around you. Therefore, we invite you to join us at the university, we will study science together!" said Vladimir Kutkov.

An important feature of working in SFedU student laboratories is the opportunity to bring your project to a viable startup. For example, SKB KIT has developed a computer vision-based platform that includes a mobile application that allows for more effective control of the abundance of weeds, such as ragweed. Thanks to this application, local residents can take pictures of weed pockets. The geometric image will be processed by a neural network, which will determine whether the photo is really a ragweed or another plant. With positive recognition, a label appears on the map, which allows economic services to quickly eliminate the foci of weed growth.

The Advanced Engineering Schools (PISH) project is part of the state strategy for the development of engineering education and technological leadership in Russia. It aims to create modern educational programs that meet the challenges of the digital economy and the needs of high-tech industries.

The Faculty of Cyberplatform Engineering at SFedU trains engineers who not only have deep technical knowledge, but are also able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, innovate and solve global challenges. This makes university graduates in high demand throughout Russia.