Russia Builds AI-Powered Amphibious Dredger
The South Ural Machine Operates on Land and Water, With 80% of Its Components Locally Produced
Engineers in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region have developed a unique AI-driven amphibious dredger capable of operating both on land and in water. The prototype outperforms foreign analogues by 20 kilowatts of power, allowing it to descend even from steep riverbanks and tackle demanding environmental and construction tasks.
According to Alexander Tolmachev, CEO of the development company, this is the first machine of its kind built in Russia. The dredger is equipped with a three-circuit hydraulic system and a universal hydraulic line, which supports interchangeable attachments — from cutters and rakes to excavation tools. This flexibility makes the amphibious unit suitable for pond cleaning, shoreline maintenance, and engineering work.
Artificial Intelligence Built on Domestic Software
The system’s AI module, powered entirely by Russian software, monitors performance in real time. It can detect errors, identify malfunctions, and automatically shut down the engine if fluid levels drop, preventing damage and extending operational life.
In the next stage, engineers plan to make the dredger fully autonomous, capable of completing tasks without human control.
The South Ural amphibious dredger demonstrates the growing strength of Russia’s engineering sector, combining robotics, hydraulics, and AI to create a machine that could redefine how the country approaches environmental restoration, construction, and infrastructure maintenance.
