Institute for Robotics Systems Established at HSE University
As decided by the HSE University Academic Council, a new Institute for Robotics Systems will be established at HSE, and with a strong fundamental base. It will cooperate with relevant departments across the university and engage students and doctoral candidates in research and development (R&D). First Vice Rector of HSE University and Director of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Leonid Gokhberg, discussed the expected practical results and the framework for cooperation with an industrial partner.
— Leonid Markovich, what inspired the creation of the institute?
— The current development of HSE University involves pioneering fundamentally new areas that contribute to our country's technological leadership. Establishing the AI and Digital Science Institute and then the Telecommunications Research Institute were important milestones. Creating the Institute for Robotics Systems is the next step.
The need to integrate robotics into the economy has been emphasised by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Robotics features prominently in the Strategy of Scientific and Technological Development, which highlights comprehensive technologies that will define the economy and key industries for the next 10–15 years.
We have included plans for the institute in the next implementation stage of our recently approved Priority 2030 programme.
— Why is it called the Institute for Robotics Systems, not just Robotics?
— A robotics system encompasses a wide range of technologies, including artificial intelligence, computer vision, and mechatronics. A robot must be able to move, perform various functions, learn, and provide feedback. This requires developing electric motors, batteries, specialised coatings, and devices that mimic the human brain, vision, and joints.
— The Strategy of Scientific and Technological Development mentions partnerships between universities implementing comprehensive technology development programs and major technology companies. Does the Institute for Robotics Systems have an industrial partner?
— Yes, our strategic partner is EFKO Group—one of Europe's largest agro-industrial corporations and a leader in high technology. EFKO carries out world-class R&D at the scientific frontier in biotechnology, unmanned systems, energy storage, mobile and anthropomorphic robotics, and more.
HSE University and EFKO have already launched several joint projects that leverage our expertise in foresight and big data mining using the iFORA system. These studies focus on Russia’s long-term development prospects, the emergence of technological start-ups, cultural trends, and other areas.
Furthermore, EFKO is collaborating with HSE on a unique project to identify and support students with high creative potential. Together, we plan to form and develop implementation teams with the company's mentors and our students—future leaders in business innovation.
— What practical results are expected from the cooperation between the new institute and EFKO?
— Recently, the Russian Ministry of Education and Science launched an initiative to create research and production enterprises capable of ensuring a full cycle for achieving technological sovereignty—from applied R&D to manufacturing product prototypes.
In our case, an expected initial result is producing prototypes of anthropomorphic robots for use in logistics, manufacturing, the service sector, and beyond. Subsequently, the company plans to oversee serial production.
— Do you plan to launch educational programmes at the institute?
— Absolutely, but not immediately. At this stage, we plan to actively involve students and doctoral candidates in the institute's R&D activities. This aligns with HSE University’s traditions, which include a strong fundamental base and extensive cooperation with relevant departments such as the Faculty of Computer Science, MIEM, the AI and Digital Science Institute, the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience.
— Who will join the staff?
— We plan to recruit leading scientists, both from within HSE University and from the broader research community.
— When will the Institute for Robotics Systems be fully operational?
— We intend to achieve this within a year.
Participation in the Russian Ministry of Education and Science's research and production enterprise programme will be a major milestone, accelerating the institute's establishment, its entry into serious research, and the creation of technologies with confirmed commercial potential for our industrial partner.
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