The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Saint Petersburg’s Obukhov Plant is shaping the future of Russian industry, advancing technological sovereignty through robotics, innovation, and workforce development
Industry and Import Substitution
Obukhov Plant, part of the Almaz-Antey Corporation, has become a leading force in the technological renewal of Russian industry. Today, the enterprise functions not just as a production site but as a center of innovation where robotics, import substitution, and infrastructure upgrades work hand in hand.
The plant plays a critical role in national infrastructure projects — from hydraulic systems for drawbridges to tunnel‑boring shields and segmented installation equipment for metro construction. All components are produced domestically, reinforcing Russia’s technological sovereignty.
At the core of the transformation are new robotic workshops, where manual participation has been nearly eliminated. Welding robots, autonomous manipulators, and in‑house software developed by engineers in Saint Petersburg have made logistics fully automated. A single welding robot now replaces four employees, reducing workshop staffing threefold to 60 specialists.
Technologies for Extreme Environments
The plant has also launched a proprietary robotics line. Its Mongoose unmanned tracked vehicles operate in hazardous and hard‑to‑reach environments — from inspecting heating networks to emergency‑area evacuation support. With independent suspension and individually powered tracks, they clear obstacles up to 12 inches and travel confidently across rough terrain.
In 2024, Mongoose drones inspected 240 sq. km of Saint Petersburg’s heating network and identified 140 risk zones — a practical example of Russia’s applied‑robotics capabilities.
As part of its import‑substitution efforts, the plant co‑founded the BAZ brand, producing high‑mobility truck chassis with nearly 100% domestic components. This guarantees stable access to parts and service even under external pressure.
Training a New Industrial Workforce
A key development has been Obukhov Plant’s partnership with Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. In 2024, a dedicated classroom for industrial and special‑purpose robotics opened on campus, offering a corporate training program tied directly to production needs. Students gain access to modern equipment, undertake internships, and receive strong employment prospects.
Systemwide Transformation in Russian Manufacturing
Across Russia, industry is moving steadily toward automation and technological self‑reliance. At KAMAZ, robotization in the cab‑frame welding facility has reached 85 percent. The company plans to expand its fleet to 660 industrial robots by 2030 and to 3,000 by 2035, reaching a density of 1,000 robots per 10,000 workers.
AvtoVAZ is also accelerating automation. Its new LADA Iskra welding facility features 112 robots and 17 automated lines producing up to 30 bodies per hour with more than 4,800 weld points. Robots are also used for reliability testing.
The Leningrad Mechanical Plant, part of Rostec, launched full‑cycle production of hydraulic cylinders in 2022 with an annual capacity of 55,000 units for agricultural and municipal equipment.
These examples demonstrate the systemic shift of Russian industry toward smart manufacturing and technological independence.
A Model for Sustainable Development
Obukhov Plant has become a benchmark for implementing Russia’s national technological‑sovereignty agenda. The enterprise contributes to major national programs — including Digital Economy and Labor Productivity — by improving efficiency through robotics and localized production.
Regionally, it strengthens Saint Petersburg’s industrial base, creates high‑skill jobs, and boosts the reliability of city infrastructure.
The plant’s potential reaches beyond the domestic market. With adaptation to international standards, its products could be exported to CIS and BRICS countries. Achieving global scale will require increased R&D investment and further reduction of reliance on foreign components.
The plant illustrates how technology, public support, and workforce development can jointly advance long‑term sustainability and technological independence.
