Fly with a Wave of the Hand: Russian Students Build Intuitive Drone Control System
Slip on a glove—and launch a drone with a wave of your hand. What seemed like science fiction has become reality thanks to SkyControl, a project developed by students from MEPhI, Samara University, and other Russian universities.
A Drone in the Sky, Control on the Hand
This innovation from young specialists not only simplifies piloting—it opens a new chapter in educational robotics and is preparing for the international market.
The idea of gesture-controlled drones is not new, but Russian students created an affordable, ergonomic, and effective solution. Project leader Anastasia Popova of MEPhI and technical author Daniil Zaitsev of Samara University, together with their team, developed a 'controller glove.' The device is equipped with sensors—gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers—that capture the slightest hand movements. Signals are transmitted via a secure channel to a controller and then to the drone. The result: the drone mirrors hand gestures, taking off, landing, or moving sideways.
The key advantage of the system is its intuitiveness. After just ten minutes of instruction, even a beginner can complete a basic route in a virtual simulator. The SkyControl project is planned for use in supplementary education—robotics clubs, youth centers, and IT hubs—where quick engagement and tangible results are critical.
The prototype is already complete and has received recognition: it won a National Technology Olympiad 'Fakel' award and passed through accelerators at MEPhI and Rosatom. By fall 2025, the first systems are expected to reach educational institutions, with strong interest from potential users confirming market demand.
Making Complexity Simple
The project aligns perfectly with the rapid growth of Russia’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market. In 2024, 16,400 civilian drones were produced—2.5 times more than in 2023. Such growth naturally creates demand for innovative, user-friendly control systems.
By 2030, Russia will need about 1 million UAV operators—ten times the current number. Training one operator requires over 250 hours, yet only 400 specialists enter the labor market annually, against a need for 26,000.
SkyControl’s prospects are impressive. The glove allows intuitive control of different UAV types and can be adapted for other tasks. The team already has several partners in government and business, with pilot projects scheduled for 2025. The student innovators are actively expanding their partnership network.
A Takeoff for Russian Tech
SkyControl is more than a gadget—it is proof that true innovation often lies in simplicity and usability. The project addresses a concrete problem: the high entry barrier for UAV operators, and makes the technology accessible to thousands.
Its competitive advantages—ergonomics, low training costs, and flexibility—serve as a passport to success. Support from leading universities and state corporations underscores the project’s viability and strategic importance. One need only watch how the wave of a student’s hand turns into the takeoff of Russian technological thought ready to conquer
