The impact of advanced technologies on space exploration discussed at the International Symposium "Inventing the Future"
The course of the new technological revolution and its influence on human life were discussed during the lecture "Technological Trends of the Future" as part of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event was co-organised by Sberbank PJSC.
Today, technologies serve as a response to global challenges, noted Albert Yefimov, Vice President and Director of the Research and Innovation Department at Sberbank PJSC. According to him, robotics, neurotechnologies, and energy will have a profound impact on the further development of all megatrends.
"Soon, several million AI-powered drones will be sold annually. Neurotechnologies will have a major influence on every megatrend — they will help us understand humans better. Soon we will start interacting with our devices through neural interfaces," said Albert Yefimov.
Speaking about robotics, Alexei Gonnochenko, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Robotics Centre at Sberbank, pointed out that artificial intelligence is expected to change the very paradigm of how robots operate. Previously, they always worked according to a rigid programme. Even Mars rovers still do. AI will give them the autonomy they need. Now, it’s possible to train a robot to perform almost any task.
"If we aim to create intelligence that can replace entire professional ecosystems, we must strive for the generalisation of actions. We are only at the beginning of this journey with robots. Yet even now, they perform tasks that once seemed impossible. Robots are already being used in factories and warehouses. As their tasks become more complex, they will be able to unite into professional communities," Alexei Gonnochenko emphasised.
The development of robotics and all types of gadgets relies on battery efficiency. Issues of improving battery performance and safety were covered in detail by Yevgeny Antipov, Doctor of Chemistry, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Electrochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Professor at Skoltech, and winner of the 2024 Sber Science Award in the "Physical World" category. According to him, great opportunities lie in creating innovative materials for the energy systems of the future.
"Lithium-ion batteries largely determine humanity’s future. Sberbank is actively involved in the development of this industry. We need to create new batteries that store more energy, last longer, recharge faster, and are more compact. The main challenge is the risk of combustion. And the key trend today is solid-state electrolytes without flammable components," Yevgeny Antipov noted.
In the context of technological progress, the concept of cognitive security is of particular importance, stressed Vsevolod Belousov, neuroscientist, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Director of the Federal Centre for Brain and Neurotechnologies of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency.
"Space exploration and neural interfaces are inseparable. When we begin interplanetary missions, living beings will again be required for test flights — these will be new Belka and Strelka connected to multiple neural systems. Another direction is assistive machines and gadgets that ‘interact’ with humans much like prosthetics," Vsevolod Belousov explained.
The II International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is being held on 7 – 8 October at the National Centre RUSSIA, bringing together participants from more than 85 countries and all regions of the Russian Federation. Over 260 Russian and foreign experts from China, the United States, Italy, Latin American countries, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are taking part.
The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is organised at the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, under the aegis of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The analytical partner of the Symposium is the VCIOM Analytical Centre, and the literary partner is the Eksmo-AST Publishing Group.
