In Russia, Drone Races Will Soon Have an AI Referee

Russian researchers are testing an AI-powered platform that can judge drone competitions by analyzing flight paths, detecting errors, and even advising coaches on how to boost pilot performance.

Russia is preparing to replace human referees at drone racing events with a system powered by artificial intelligence. The platform, developed by scientists at the Russian Technological University, uses onboard sensors and video from drone cameras to reconstruct each flight in detail — loops, turns, and acrobatic maneuvers.

The neural network breaks down a pilot’s run into fragments and matches them against a set of standard models. According to TASS, the system can recognize more than 12 types of aerial figures and their variations. That allows it not only to automatically detect violations but also to analyze racing techniques with high precision.

Researchers say the platform’s data could help coaches identify weaknesses and offer targeted recommendations to athletes. The first trial of the AI referee is scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, during drone competitions hosted by the university.

The initiative comes as Russia’s Ministry of Sports considers broader applications of AI in judging. Officials have floated the idea of a centralized digital system that would assign referees to matches automatically, a move they argue could improve transparency and build fan trust in how officials are selected.