Russian Students Build Intuitive Glove to Control Drones
The SkyControl project, backed by Rosatom, lets users fly drones with simple hand gestures and could be adapted for robotics, photography, and even nuclear industry tasks.
A team of students from several Russian universities has created an innovative system for controlling drones through gestures. The SkyControl project, which went through acceleration with support from Rosatom, is set to be integrated into educational programs this year, according to the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.
SkyControl is a high-tech glove equipped with motion sensors. It allows intuitive control of a drone: raise your hand and the device takes off, tilt it sideways and the drone changes direction. The system is so simple that even beginners can perform basic maneuvers on a simulator within ten minutes.
The technology is not limited to civilian drones—it can be adapted for controlling robots, cameras, and even presentations. The project is of particular interest to the nuclear sector, where precise remote operation of machinery is critical.
The first prototype is already complete, and serial units are expected to reach educational centers in the fall of 2025. SkyControl illustrates how student-driven initiatives are becoming part of the national technology strategy.
