The Russian state corporation Neiry has successfully completed the initial trial flights of a flock of pigeons fitted with implanted neural interfaces. The birds departed from the laboratory and autonomously returned to base. This was announced by the company’s press service on November 25th.
Unlike conventional unmanned aerial vehicles, these bio-drones possess significantly extended operational longevity and range, deriving power naturally rather than being reliant on battery packs. Neiry intends to deploy these assets for monitoring power transmission lines, gas distribution hubs, and various other infrastructure sites.
Currently, the flight capabilities of dozens of these chipped pigeons are being evaluated in Moscow. Subsequently, some of the birds will remain stationed in the capital, while the rest will be dispatched thousands of kilometers away to different regions. Alexander Panov, the founder of Neiry, mentioned that the underlying technology is adaptable: for heavier payloads, ravens could be utilized, while monitoring coastal areas would suit seagulls, and observing open seas would be appropriate for albatrosses.
The creators emphasize that the implants do not interfere with the birds’ natural existence. They continue to lead their typical lives, maintaining the same lifespan as their wild counterparts.
Previously, the Russian Ministry of Transport indicated that they do not yet deem fully autonomous aerial taxis entirely secure, although preparations for their trials are underway. The head of the agency, Andrey Nikitin, stated that test flights for such vehicles—without passengers—could commence in the country within the next one to two years. The Ministry is studying precedents set by the UAE and China, where similar technologies are already being implemented. For now, the primary concentration is on refining air traffic management protocols and adjusting aviation standards, as the Minister noted, “we are not yet certain about the safety aspect.”
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