Russia Launches Voice Assistant for Elementary School Students in MAX Messenger
The AI chatbot, designed to support early education, helps children learn and explore safely while engaging parents and teachers in the process.
The Ministry of Education of the Moscow Region, together with the educational platform Uchi.ru, has launched a new voice assistant named ‘Sonya’ inside the national messenger MAX. The chatbot is aimed at elementary school students, their parents, and teachers, providing an interactive and safe digital learning environment.
Sonya’s knowledge base was built around common challenges faced by children — topics that typically spark confusion or curiosity in class. The assistant explains complex ideas in simple language, helping students better understand their lessons. Parents can monitor their child’s interests and redirect attention toward studying, while teachers can use the tool to make explanations clearer and classroom discussions safer and more engaging.
Learning Made Simple — and Safe
Users can interact with Sonya either by typing or speaking. If a student asks about a prohibited or sensitive topic, the assistant gently advises them to talk to an adult.
Currently, the technology is being tested in ten schools across the region. Based on feedback from educators, parents, and students, the project will later expand to other institutions.
This initiative highlights how artificial intelligence and voice technology can make education more inclusive, personalized, and connected — blending digital safety with real learning benefits.
