Russian School Students Have Created a Training Program for Future Designers

A VR Simulator With No Global Analogues

Three students from the Russian city of Kirov—Nikita Merzlyakov, Fyodor Palitsyn, and Alexander Muravyov—became finalists of the nationwide contest “I Am the Designer of the Future” with their VR drone‑assembly simulator. Their project ranked among the top ten out of 160 submissions and has already attracted the attention of industry specialists.

The simulator allows users to assemble a drone in virtual reality following step‑by‑step instructions and using virtual versions of real tools. After assembly, the drone can be tested through a built‑in virtual flight system and a race mode against an AI‑powered competitor. There are no direct analogues to this educational solution either in Russia or abroad.

Training the Engineers of Tomorrow

The project is nearly complete, and the team hopes that the simulator will be used in schools and universities to train future engineers. The students say that reaching the finals proved the significance of their work and motivated them to continue developing in this field.

The contest “I Am the Designer of the Future” is organized by MAI in partnership with the Union of Mechanical Engineers of Russia and is held as part of the forum “Scientific and Technological Development and the Challenges of Global Leadership.” Winners receive additional admission points for applying to MAI, expert support, and prizes. The students’ project complements MAI’s engineering‑education program for the aviation industry, developed with support from the Ministry of Education and Science.

Digital Technologies in Education

MAI’s educational programs and competitions help integrate modern digital technologies into the learning process and spark young people’s interest in engineering and scientific careers.