Russian students have created a smart pen designed to improve handwriting
A Russian university has developed a next‑generation microchip that enables factory robots, CNC machines, and industrial sensors to operate in flawless real‑time sync — a breakthrough for the country’s smart‑manufacturing sector
A Digital Nervous System for the Factory Floor
Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University named after R. E. Alekseev has designed and officially registered a unique microchip for industrial automation systems. The digital controller allows multiple devices — from robots and CNC machines to industrial sensors — to exchange data with extreme precision and speed, functioning as a single coordinated system.
The chip is set to become a foundational component for Russia’s smart‑manufacturing ecosystem. Its core task is real‑time synchronization: several industrial robots can perform highly complex operations simultaneously, such as automotive body welding, where even a millisecond delay can cause defects. The controller is also intended for integration into CNC machinery and industrial computing platforms.
Unlike standard networking solutions, the new controller ensures that every command reaches its destination exactly when required. This reliability and timing accuracy create a high‑speed digital “nervous system” for automated lines and robotic complexes — a capability essential for modern production.
A Fully Domestic Engineering Cycle
One of the most significant features of the project is its entirely Russian development cycle. The microchip was engineered at the university and prepared for manufacturing at the domestic semiconductor plant Mikron using a 130‑nm process. While global analogues exist, developing a verified and locally adapted hardware base reduces import dependence in a strategically important field.
The project also strengthens Russia’s microelectronics education pipeline. Experience gained during the chip’s creation will be used to train a new generation of semiconductor engineers — a vital resource for national technological sovereignty.
The success of the university’s team demonstrates the maturity of Russia’s engineering school and its ability to deliver industry‑ready, practical solutions. In the coming years, further development of this chip family may form the foundation of Russian hardware for the Industrial Internet of Things and advanced automated manufacturing deployed globally.
