— Alexey describes a design bureau that develops a range of technical devices, from courier robots to autoinjector concepts, including the creation of electrical circuits and printed circuit boards. Some orders originate from overseas. How have sanctions altered their workflow?
– Initially, there were early worries and trial runs. Yet as a private company, they have continued international collaborations with clients in Germany, Austria, and beyond. They work on a broad spectrum of devices meant to power new electronic products. For instance, the SalatOmat project, a device intended to prepare meals for a healthy diet in 30–60 seconds, began as a foreign commission from Germany. The team also designs automotive electronics units and cutting-edge devices for virtual and augmented reality.
Are orders still coming in?
— Yes. A solid relationship endured, and they kept working together.
— Have new orders emerged from Russia?
– Indeed. While many ties with foreign engineering companies were cut, they redirected efforts toward designing a variety of devices—from equipment enclosures to mechanisms for footwear manufacturing—without compromising quality, timelines, or price. They can deliver within seven days, not seven months, and their pricing remains 20% lower than foreign competitors when profitable for the company.
Additionally, electronics orders started arriving, such as sensor manufacturing. The goal is to produce sensors that are slightly heavier, larger, and less precise than foreign equivalents, but with a production cycle of 2–3 weeks instead of months.
– There was a division in the USA. How is that story now?
Long closed for two years. It was not a profitable venture, so the focus shifted to the domestic market and steady development. The time difference and business frictions made cross-border expansion imprudent. The company chose to grow incrementally rather than attempting to capture every market at once.
– What is the current outlook for Russian instrumentation?
— The historical context makes full satisfaction difficult, yet a clear direction exists for evolving to stay competitive. All the essential groundwork is in place to move forward, and there is a real opportunity for significant development in Russian instrumentation today. The chance should be seized.
– What are the perceived weak points in the instrumentation sector?
– The core issue lies in the elemental base and microelectronics—technologies that emerged globally in the late 80s and 90s. Domestic development in these areas is lacking. Import substitution should become a central strategy, directing nearly maximal investment into these critical components.
— How have sanctions affected robotics?
– The impact centers on machine vision systems, processors, lidars, screens, and related parts that were largely sourced from European and American suppliers. A significant portion of motors, steppers, and drivers are now produced in China.
The current push is to develop native stereo cameras, machine vision systems, and a full range of sensors and processors tailored to domestic configurations. The aim is to reduce reliance on foreign components in robotics.
How long will import substitution take?
– From a trader’s view, completion can be up to five to seven years. Lidars are progressing faster since lasers are manufactured domestically, with a projection of about a year and a half. Mechanical and hull components are already solid, while more precise processing will accelerate the substitution of certain equipment. Printed circuit boards have been produced locally for some time.
The discussion then shifts to revising the elemental base. Some blocks and mechanical brackets previously sourced from abroad are now scrutinized for domestic alternatives, along with various locks and latches. Some products had not previously been considered for substitution.
– How long will it take to assemble these parts?
– Simple mechanical units can take months. Electromechanical assemblies typically require from three to six months up to a year. More complex technical units with scientific components may demand two to three years, including testing to verify performance.
– The company also engages in 3D printing. Can home and production 3D printers address parts shortages?
– Yes. It is commonplace; the leadership even prints parts themselves. A child’s scooter once broke down, and the right part was printed to fix it on the spot.
– Is industrial-scale selling on the table?
– It is under discussion. Localizing some imported printer components at the same performance level as engines and drivers presents challenges, so market feasibility is being evaluated.
– Will material shortages for printing be an issue?
— No. Most materials are already localized or produced domestically in Russia, dating back to the Soviet era, ensuring stable supply.
– How dependent is the sector on foreign manufacturers in medical instrumentation?
— The sector is active, thanks to strong capabilities in producing mechanical, packaging, and electronic components locally. Yet modern devices increasingly rely on new materials and technologies. For example, dental clinics now use 3D scanners for jaw imaging, and there is optimism about assembling such products domestically. Software development for image processing and certain plastics or alloys remains a challenge, but progress is steady.
– What are near-term plans?
— The R&D phase is nearing completion for several products. The next steps include either independent production or supporting ongoing manufacturing. Current active projects include a courier robot, an autonomous harvesting robot, device enclosures for tomography and radiation therapy, and autoinjectors. Investment will focus on pilot and serial production to meet rising demand. If needed, more designers and electronics engineers will be added. Internal processes will be streamlined, and capacity expanded with new equipment, including furnaces for metal melting and casting.
– There is a note about a leadership change at NUST MISIS. What is the role about?
— The aim is to restructure the self-education process, shifting toward a balanced mix of practical and theoretical training. Initiatives include student workshops, new printing and robotics equipment, and a graduate program called Technological Support of Innovation.
— Which experts will be trained?
– The focus is on designing and mass-producing new devices, building project management skills, and ensuring cost-effective, technically sound production. The emphasis remains on instrumentation and robotics.
– Will more programs open?
— Yes. New disciplines related to mechatronics and the use of virtual and augmented reality in product design are being introduced. There is also a push to strengthen electronics and programming expertise because every new product presents a unique technical challenge.
— Is there a department-based laboratory?
– Two laboratories were established recently: one for 3D printing and another for rendering and 3D scanning. A collaboration with Karfidov Lab connects the department and the design office so students can test prototype devices with equipment not housed in the department.
– How many people work in the company now, and is there a skill shortage?
– Approximately 40 employees cover the design, electronics, pilot production, and industrial design teams, plus a customer service unit. The core strengths lie in instrumentation, robotics, and medicine, supported by skilled engineers and technologists. The shortage of technicians is rising as localization and import substitution tasks multiply, driving higher demand across many technical fields.