As part of the Priority 2030 program, Altai State University is implementing the project "Developments in the field of instrument engineering and unmanned aerial systems." It is aimed at creating and implementing new technological solutions in the field of instrument engineering and UAVs to address challengers in the agro-industrial complex.
A group of university researchers is currently collaborating with companies that are engaged in field processing using agrodrones, said Alexander Nazarov, a design engineer of the Altai State University project management office.
Currently, our primary client is the company "KhIZARA," which specializes in processing agricultural fields across Altai Krai and beyond. We are developing systems for them to enhance the efficiency of their operations. For instance, several drones were breaking down every three hours due to high-frequency vibrations that damaged the electrical connections. On-site, we successfully upgraded the system, carried out experiments, and are now integrating these improvements into a laboratory environment to facilitate the immediate installation of the modernized components onto the drones.
The majority of the project focuses on adapting the drones farmers already own to withstand the harsh weather conditions of Siberia. Accordingly, our scientists have designed a prototype chassis that is easier to repair and more durable than the original landing gear. Furthermore, Altai State University researchers were the first in Russia to begin repairing electric motors for UAVs, which were previously discarded.
Another large-scale project involves modernizing the Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft. By incorporating electronics, designers are transformiong the plane into an unmanned aerial vehicle — an aircraft-type drone capable of capturing aerial photographs of extensive areas without human intervention.
The project involves representatives of the Institute of Biological Biology (IBB): students Egor Kvasov, Artem Khilkevich, an associate professor of the Department of Botany Natalia Ovcharova; the Institute of Geography: Head of the Department of Economic Geography and Cartography Evgeny Kurochkin, the Institute of Mathematics and Digital Technologies: an associate professor of the Department of Theoretical Cybernetics and Applied Mathematics Sergey Sukhanov; the Institute of Digital Technologies, Electronics and Physics, project manager of the Project Management Office Yuri Baranchugov, and Director of the Carrer Center of ASU Elena Postoeva.