Derzhavin University recently held the regional stage of the "Cyberdrom.Start" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) piloting competition, featuring 20 teams competing in two categories: "Cyberdrom.Beginner School" and "Cyberdrom.Takeoff."
The event was part of the nationwide "Personnel for Digital Industry" initiative, aimed at training specialists in unmanned aerial systems and ground robotics while engaging youth in innovative technologies to advance Russian industrial development.
Artem Kireev, Director of Derzhavin University’s Student Design Bureau, noted:
- This is the second time we’ve hosted the regional 'Cyberdrom.Start' competition in Tambov. Organized by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, its partners, and Derzhavin University, the event brings together children aged 7 to 14. Under the federal 'Personnel for UAVs' program, most schools in the region now have specialized classrooms, and teachers have undergone retraining in robotics and drone piloting. Interest among students grows every year. Back in 2018, we had to actively recruit participants, but now kids come on their own, eyes shining with enthusiasm. This field holds great promise for young people. As President Vladimir Putin has stated, Russia must train one million specialists in civilian and military UAV operations by 2030. This is the future.
The competition was attended by representatives from
- The National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”
- The Tambov Regional Ministry of Education and Science
- The Regional Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Development
- Derzhavin Tambvov State University
The competition had four stages:
- "Cyberquiz" opened the competition. It tested theoretical knowledge of unmanned aerial systems.
- "Drone-Sim" stage involved competition in assembling and piloting UAVs in software simulators, followed by a virtual flight challenge.
- At "Drone Racing" stage, participants demonstrated their skills in high-speed piloting of UAVs on a track with obstacles in altitude holding mode. Each team used multi-rotor unmanned aircraft systems (quadcopters) during the competitive test.
- At the final stage of "Robo-prog", the competition jury assessed the skills of programming robotic equipment using a virtual environment, and the formation of the necessary competencies in the field of creating control algorithms for RTS and UAVs.
Vladimir K., a student from Skolkovo-Tambov School, shared:
- I’ve been attending UAV classes since first grade. We train on simulators, study theory, and learn quadcopter piloting rules. This is important to me because I want a future career in digital tech. Competitions like this let me test my skills, gain new piloting experience, and meet others who share my passion for drones.
The event highlighted the growing role of drone technology and robotics education in shaping Russia’s next generation of tech professionals.
