AI Systems Help Russian Utilities Decide Where to Clear Snow
Artificial intelligence tools are helping municipal services identify locations that require extra attention during snow removal.
In the city of Shchyolkovo in the Moscow region, local authorities are using artificial intelligence to evaluate the performance of municipal services and property management companies. The system helps identify addresses where additional snow removal efforts are needed.
Digital tools are also reshaping housing and utilities oversight in Primorsky Krai. Snow removal vehicles there have been equipped with the GLONASS satellite navigation system. Artificial intelligence analyzes the incoming data and evaluates the effectiveness of cleanup operations. Municipal management centers track the movement of the vehicles in real time.
Robots Join the Effort
In Perm, a snow-clearing robot has been deployed on city streets. According to the developers, the machine is designed for autonomous operations, though it is controlled by an operator using a console and FPV goggles. The onboard computer receives commands and passes them to the control system.
The 350-kilogram robotic cleaner removes snow in places where large equipment struggles to operate, including parking lots, sports courts, parks, and public squares. Its battery allows it to work continuously for up to eight hours, after which an internal combustion engine is used to recharge the system. The machine’s bright yellow color makes it visible from a distance as it approaches. In summer, the robot can also be repurposed by replacing the mounted equipment, allowing it to sweep streets or mow grass.
Earlier reports noted that two specialized unmanned machines are being tested in Kazan, a snowplow and a snow-throwing vehicle. The pair could replace the work of up to 30 people. Thanks to their tracked chassis, high cross-country capability, and maneuverability, the machines can easily overcome snowdrifts, curbs, and uneven terrain. Operators control the robots using joysticks.
