Russian Engineers Study AI Tech for Engines in China

Students from the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Russia’s state-owned Rostec State Corporation have returned from a two-week internship in China, where they explored artificial intelligence (AI) applications in aircraft engine design and robotics.

The students, all in their fifth year at the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), are part of the "Wings of Rostec" program, which aims to equip future engineers with knowledge for the aviation industry.

During their internship at Shenyang Aerospace University, the students delved into AI’s role in streamlining design processes, specifically in aircraft engine manufacturing. The curriculum included practical sessions on machine learning, computer vision, and robotics, which the students applied directly to the design and production of aircraft engines. This experience exposed them to China’s digital innovations, offering insights into the integration of AI in production workflows.

Alexey Gromov, head of PC Salut, emphasized that the internship allowed students to better understand how digitalization is transforming engine design. “Chinese specialists not only shared their practical experience but also their vision for AI's role in future design technologies,” he explained. "Such experiences are invaluable for students, offering them a chance to learn from the international scientific community and form key professional connections."

The Wings of Rostec program, designed to prepare the next generation of Russian aerospace engineers, is implemented in collaboration with several universities across Russia. Participants study a broad range of disciplines, including the design and production of aircraft engines, under the mentorship of specialists from UEC’s Salut production complex.

Victoria Bokareva, a fifth-year student in the program, reflected on the internship's impact, highlighting the use of AI to automate routine tasks such as monitoring engine parameters and creating technical documentation. “AI and robotics are already revolutionizing the way engines are tested and designed,” she said. “This experience opened my eyes to how technology can speed up the design process and improve overall efficiency."

The internship program, which was conducted for the first time at Shenyang Aerospace University, is expected to expand in the future. With nearly 1,600 students currently enrolled in the Wings of Rostec program, the initiative continues to grow, with the aim of producing skilled engineers ready to contribute to Russia’s domestic aviation industry.

Upon graduation, students from the program will join UEC's design bureaus across Russia, where they will apply their newly acquired skills in the development of next-generation aircraft engines.

The Wings of Rostec program spans multiple Russian cities and is designed to train specialists for over 14 aviation-related fields.