Russia’s “Gorodovoy” AI Expands to Control Urban Order
St. Petersburg has upgraded its AI-powered monitoring system to spot more urban violations—from illegal kiosks to invasive plants—helping cities respond faster to disorder.
The city has expanded the functionality of its Gorodovoy neural network, giving it the ability to detect four new types of violations. The AI now flags unrepaired areas after utility work, illegal kiosks, overgrowth of Sosnowsky’s hogweed, and unauthorized dumps.
The State Administrative and Technical Inspectorate (GATI), responsible for Gorodovoy, has been deploying video technology with AI features since 2023. Over the past two years, the number of mobile monitoring units has grown, along with their analytical power. Initially, the system was limited to catching graffiti, unauthorized air conditioners on historic facades, and potholes.
Now, “smart patrols”—vehicles equipped with AI systems—are operating in more Russian cities. Their functions include monitoring illegal parking on lawns and unauthorized garbage disposal. Some regions are deploying specialized versions as well: in the Moscow region, a “land patrol” AI hunts for abandoned plots.
