Name: AI development has become Moscow’s highest priority
Uploaded: 2026-01-03T07:37:14.448Z
Duration: 2 min 56 s
Description: International sanctions have pushed Russia to develop its own AI technology.

International sanctions have pushed Russia to develop its own AI technology.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

The release of Open AI's ChatGPT has accelerated the development of artificial intelligence and warnings about its impact on society.

Rise of AI

Moscow has prioritized the development and implementation of artificial intelligence across public infrastructure, notably in the metro system and public transport. Biometric payment systems, which allow passengers to pay by facial recognition, are now operational not only in Russia but also in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, though privacy concerns remain among some users.

The city is also rolling out driverless trams equipped with AI and advanced sensors, with plans to automate up to 90% of its tram fleet over the next decade. Technological sanctions have slowed Russia's digital growth but have also prompted domestic innovation, allowing Russian companies to expand into sectors previously dominated by Western firms.

AI development has become Moscow’s highest priority

AI solutions are at the heart of what's probably the easiest and most convenient payment method in the Moscow Metro, the biometric payment. Passengers don't need to carry their cards or phone to pay for their travel, all they need is to look at the camera and the gates open. The developers behind the Moscow Metro biometric payment began this project about 5 years ago and now it works not only in Russia but also in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Initially we used biometrics to detect criminals and it immediately showed good results. After that we thought why not make it a payment instrument as well and we started testing. The main distinctive feature of the Moscow Metro is that it uses conventional 2D cameras, not expensive 3D ones. But certain concerns are raised among many who are not eager to share their biometric data with other institutions. The method is fast if it works correctly, but the data can leak and be used not only for the subway and this personal information can be used later for monitoring. Your data, your digital fingerprint, it's a matter of choice for each person. This method simply doesn't suit me. I find it faster and more convenient to use a metro card. An equal facial recognition payment technology has been developed by the largest bank in Russia, Sberbank. We are buying a coffee where they are paying with a smile system. The cashier sends a command to the terminal, the smile payment service appears on the screen, I'm looking at the camera and the payment is processed. You can also rate the place, leave a review and tip. AI technologies are not only used for payment methods, but they are also gradually replacing conventional means of transport in the Russian capital. This tram is called Lvyonek or Lion Cub and it has no driver, instead it navigates using AI technology. It has special sensors, radar and cameras, as well as Lidar, laser pulses that measure distances. The tram stops on its own, opens and closes the doors and even obeys traffic lights, but there's still an employee on board just in case something goes wrong. The Moscow government is planning to expand the use of driverless trams to up to 90% of the whole park of trams during the next decade. The technological blockade imposed on Russia has cramped its digital growth, but it's also been a catalyst for innovation and development. It's opened up opportunities for Russian manufacturers to expand into areas previously dominated by Western companies. It doesn't happen quickly or easily, but right now Russia has few alternatives. Yulia Shapovalova, Al Jazeera, Moscow.

In a surprise attack overnight on Saturday, the United States launched strikes against Venezuelan capital Caracas and other cities. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country". Follow for live updates.

Washington

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New York

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Seiyun

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Kyiv

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Venezuela Strikes

U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela

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Charlotte

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Crans-Montana

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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A U.S. intelligence assessment has determined that Ukraine is not responsible for what Russia claims was a drone strike targeting Vladimir Putin’s residence. Both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave year-end news conferences amid continuing discussions about a peace deal held up by key unsettled issues.

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Taipei City

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Paris

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Chicago

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Helsinki

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Council of the City of Sydney

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The United Arab Emirates says it's withdrawing its remaining forces from Yemen. The move comes after Saudi Arabia bombed a port in Yemen, saying it targeted an arms shipment intended for a UAE-backed separatist force.

AI development has become Moscow’s highest priority

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Ukraine Invasion

Rise of AI