Skolkovo Ventures sold its stake in Elementaree food and recipe delivery service. The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/maxim.basov">Maxim Basov</a>, General Director of Rusagro, became the new owner and now his stake will exceed 15%. He will become the second largest shareholder of Elementaree after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/OZ1010">Olga Zinovieva</a>, company's founder.

 
 Earlier, Basov acquired 5% of the service from the first investor of the project, American financier Lawrence Lepard, and became a member of the company's board of directors.

 
 According to Infoline, at the end of 2020, Elementaree ranked fourth among ready-to-eat food delivery services with a turnover of 900 million rubles (equivalent to $12.1 million), VC.ru <a target="_blank" href="https://vc.ru/food/209482-performance-group-uderzhala-liderstvo-sredi-servisov-gotovogo-pitaniya-po-oborotu-v-2020-godu-infoline">writes</a>.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/skolkovo-ventures-prodala-svoiu-doliu-v-kompanii-elementaree/">Original (in Russian)</a>

CNews

Skolkovo Ventures sold its stake in Elementaree food  delivery service to the head of Rusagro

Sberbank has acquired 100% of Yo-Engineering from the Belarusian Keiji Impex. The transaction amount is not disclosed. The team and its competencies will work on SberAutoTech&nbsp; developments in the field of unmanned vehicles. 

 
 Since 2010, Yo-engineering has been developing the Yo-mobile hybrid car. The closure of the project was announced in April 2014. As RBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rbc.ru/spb_sz/26/06/2015/5592b7589a7947f6f764ad25">reported</a>, investments in the project were estimated at 260 million euros.

<hr />
 
 In early February, Cognitive Pilot <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/cognitive-pilot-freezes-the-development-of-autonomous-systems-for-cars/">announced</a> that it is freezing the development of autonomous vehicle control systems.&nbsp;

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/sberbank-kupil-rabotavshuiu-nad-io-mobilem-kompaniiu-io-inzhiniring/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Kommersant

Sberbank bought Yo-Engineering, the developer of hybrid car Yo-mobile

The weekly observer of Moscow's tech stories

<hr />
<h2>
 MARKET IN BRIEF
</h2>

 
 main news about Moscow's projects, developers and technologies

<ul>
 <li>Moscow startup Hot-WiFi <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-startup-hot-wifi-announced-its-entry-into-the-us-market/" target="_blank">announced</a> its entry into the US market (Cards of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Hot_WiFi" target="_blank">Hot WiFi</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>European startup media site Sifted <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/european-startup-media-site-sifted-names-ifarm-in-the-list-of-startups-to-watch-in-2021/" target="_blank">included</a> iFarm in the list of startups to watch in 2021 (Card of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/ifarm/" target="_blank">iFarm</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Aivarix service <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/aivarix-service-received-a-patent-for-a-system-for-automatic-diagnosis-of-vascular-pathologies/" target="_blank">received</a> a patent for a system for automatic diagnosis of vascular pathologies (Card of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/aivarix/" target="_blank">Aivarix</a>)</li>
</ul>

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-ranked-third-among-cities-in-the-world-for-innovations-against-covid-19/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/cd8dba26-8282-55b7-8a5e-0104aad4e1f5.png">
 </a>
 </div>
 
 
 

<ul>
 <li>Moscow <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-ranked-third-among-cities-in-the-world-for-innovations-against-covid-19/" target="_blank">ranked</a> third among cities in the world for innovations against COVID-19</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>AI system for analyzing endoscopic tests is <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/ai-system-for-analyzing-endoscopic-tests-is-being-tested-in-moscow/" target="_blank">being tested</a> in Moscow</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Yandex <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/yandex-plans-to-launch-a-non-cash-payment-service-yandex-pay/" target="_blank">plans</a> to release a non-cash payment service Yandex Pay (Cards of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Yandex" target="_blank">Yandex</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>MTS <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/mts-launched-a-video-broadcast-with-data-analytics-over-the-5g-network-at-the-vdnh-skating-rink/" target="_blank">launched</a> a video broadcast with data analytics over the 5G network at the VDNH skating rink (Cards of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=MTS" target="_blank">MTS</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>LikeVR <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/likevr-became-a-member-of-an-international-software-vendors-partnership-program-by-oculus/" target="_blank">became</a> a member of an international software vendors' partnership program by Oculus</li>
</ul>

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 GOV AGENDA
 The Ministry of Digital Development <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/the-ministry-of-digital-development-allowed-to-include-foreign-programs-in-the-register-of-domestic-software/" target="_blank">allowed</a> to include foreign programs in the register of domestic software
 </div>
 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/" target="_blank">More news →</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 INVESTMENT DEALS
</h2>

<ul>
 <li>Sberbank <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/sberbank-acquired-45-of-eapteka-by-investing-76-million/" target="_blank">acquired</a> 45% of Eapteka by investing $76 million</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS
</h2>

 
 researches, monitorings, reports and other analytics of Moscow and Russian IT market

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/digital-civility-index-2021/" target="_blank">Microsoft</a>: Russia was ranked 31st in the annual Digital Civility Index (DCI) →</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/comnews-research-russian-vsat-market-grew-by-9-in-2020/" target="_blank">ComNews Research</a>: Russian VSAT market grew by 9% in 2020 → </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/idc-the-russian-it-market-in-2020-remained-at-the-level-of-2019/" target="_blank">IDC</a>: the Russian IT market in 2020 remained at the level of 2019 → </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/merlion-russian-segment-of-gaming-products-grew-by-50-in-2020/" target="_blank">Merlion</a>: Russian gaming products segment grew by 50% and amounted to more than $161 million in 2020→</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/telecomdaily-consumer-cloud-storage-services-market-shrank-9-in-2020/" target="_blank">TelecomDaily</a>: consumer cloud storage services market shrank 9% in 2020 →  </li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/changellenge-it-tops-the-list-of-the-most-in-demand-industries-for-university-graduates/" target="_blank">Changellenge</a>: IT tops the list of the most in-demand industries for university graduates → .</li>
</ul>

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/" target="_blank">More analytics →</a> 

<hr />
<h2>
 LONGREAD 
</h2>

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/mediatrends-2020/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/1c839440-3da2-5492-ac33-847bb2a17bf0.png">
 </a>
 </div>

 
 ICT.Moscow has conducted a monitoring of key media trends in IT in Russia and presented key findings of the 2020. Technologies and technology areas selected for media trends monitoring were mentioned more than 776 thousand times in 2020, which is slightly less than in 2019 (decreased by 5.7%). Artificial intelligence (AI) was the undisputed leader in terms of mentions throughout the year: technology was constantly on the agenda, and the media interest in it was steadily growing.

 
 The Russian media trends in IT in 2020 were discussed with the editors-in-chief of several Russian technology media.

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/mediatrends-2020/" target="_blank">Read full article →</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FROM MOSCOW
</h2>

 
 a showcase of some media monitoring solutions

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/brand-analytics/" target="_blank">Brand Analytics</a>

 
 System for monitoring and analysis of social media and mass media

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/mindscan/" target="_blank">Mindscan</a>

 
 Media and social media monitoring system

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/medialogia/" target="_blank">Medialogia</a>

 
 Real-time media monitoring and analysis system

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=media" target="_blank">More solutions →</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 KEY ACTORS IN IT
</h2>

 
 discover people who stand behind the innovative companies and projects in Moscow

<ul>
 <li>Alexey Kornya, Chairman of the Management Board, President and CEO of MTS | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036820224268" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Sergey Shayakhmetov, CBDO and Co-Founder of Aivarix | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sergey.shayakhmetov" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/sergey-shayakhmetov-2335452" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Maxim Chizhov, Co-Founder and CEO of iFarm | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chizhov.maksim" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximchizhov/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Dmitry Stepanenko,  CEO of Hot WiFi | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dmitiyhotwifi" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/%D0%B4%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BE-573357bb" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Yuriy Slatin, CEO of LikeVR | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010922137028" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/yuriy-slatin-92600976" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Anton Buzdalin, CEO of SberApteka | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anton.buzdalin" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </li>
</ul>

<hr />
 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/?filterCategory=Tech-in-Moscow">Previous Tech in Moscow newsletters</a>

ICT.Moscow

Tech in Moscow #23 (8 - 14 February 2021)

Sberbank and R-Pharm Group announced that the joint investment deal in Eapteka was completed. They acquired 45% of the online pharmaceutical retailer each. The remaining 10% was retained by the founder and CEO of Sber Eapteka, Anton Buzdalin.

 
 Sberbank’s investment in the deal amounted to 5.7 billion rubles (equivalent to $76 million) The money will be used to “improve the quality of service and expand activities into the regions of Russia”. In 2021, it is planned to launch the service in 76 cities of the country. In many of these cities the purchase of drugs with delivery will become available for the first time.

 
 The joint investment in the company was first announced in October 2020. Since November 2020, Eapteka has been operating as part of the Sberbank ecosystem and has been developing under the Sber Eapteka brand.

 
 Contacts:

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/lev.khasis">Lev Khasis</a>, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of SberBank

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/anton.buzdalin">Anton Buzdalin</a>, founder and CEO of Sber Eapteka&nbsp;

Sberbank

Sberbank acquired 45% of Eapteka by investing $76 million

A representative of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Cognitive_Pilot">Cognitive Pilot</a> (a joint venture between Sberbank and Cognitive Technologies) said that the development of autopilots for vehicles is no longer a priority for the company. The reason is the absence of laws and by-laws regulating the movement of unmanned vehicles on the roads both in Russia and in other countries. Also among the barriers, a company representative names the lack of clear and well-developed business models related to unmanned vehicles. 

 
 Today, the main priorities of the company are unmanned control systems for agricultural machinery (<a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/cognitive-agro-pilot/">Agro Pilot</a>), smart active safety systems for rail vehicles (Rail Pilot) and radars for unmanned vehicles. However, the company is not going to completely abandon the direction of unmanned vehicles: research and development in this area will continue. 

<hr />
 
 Last year, the Cognitive Agro Pilot unmanned system began to be used in harvesting in 35 regions of Russia, with its help it was possible to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4558498">collect</a> more than 720 thousand tons of the crop. And this year it became known that the company&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/cognitive-pilot-plans-private-placements-this-year/">plans</a> to open sales and service offices abroad - in Brazil, Argentina, as well as in the USA, in order to promote the Agro Pilot system there. 

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/cognitive-pilot-zamorazhivaet-razrabotku-avtonomnykh-sistem-dlia-avtomobilei/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Vedomosti

Cognitive Pilot freezes the development of autonomous systems for cars

Lanit sold a 25% stake in Dashboard Systems, the creator of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/boardmaps/" target="_blank">BoardMaps</a>. The assets were acquired by the software developer iDeals.

 
 The deal took place in accordance with the investment strategy, according to which Lanit develops startups. The parties did not disclose the cost of the agreement.

 
 BoardMaps is a software solution for automating the activities of collective management bodies of large companies and holdings. Following the transaction, the product plans to expand the iDeals corporate governance portfolio and will be able to strengthen its position in the international market.

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/news/lanit-prodal-aktsii-razrabotchika-boardmaps/" target="_blank">Original (in Russian)</a>

RB.ru

Lanit sold shares of the Dashboard Systems, the creator of BoardMaps

The <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Yandex.Taxi">Yandex.Taxi</a>&nbsp;group of companies has acquired call centers as well as an ordering cargo transportation business of Vezet Group of Companies. The deal amounted to $178 million. Part of these funds will be paid based on the results of the integration, which is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2021.&nbsp;

 
 The company hopes that thanks to the agreement, it will be possible to improve customer service and accelerate the development of the logistics platform, namely, to offer express delivery of parcels and goods to residents of the regions.&nbsp;Only part of the assets of Vezet are acquired by the company. The deal will be valid in a limited number of regions of the country and will not apply to software.

 
 In July 2019, Yandex.Taxi announced <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/iandeks-taksi-vykupilo-gruppu-veziot/">plans</a> to purchase the call center of the Vezet Group of Companies, after which it submitted a corresponding petition to the FAS several times, and then withdrew it. As a result, in June 2020, the regulator <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/fas-otkazala-iandeks-taksi-v-pokupke-aktivov-gruppy-kompanii-vezet/">refused</a> Yandex.Taxi to purchase the assets of the taxi service, justifying this by the fact that in the event of a transaction, the aggregate share of Yandex. Taxi and Vezet group will increase and will reach 70%.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/iandeks-taksi-pokupaet-za-178-mln-chast-aktivov-kompanii-veziot/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Yandex

Yandex purchases part of the assets of the Vezet taxi company for $178 million

Rusonyx hosting provider (headquartered in Moscow) has acquired the largest competitor in St. Petersburg - Infobox. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004813391234">Konstantin Anisimov</a>, CEO and co-owner of Rusonyx, told the Kommersant newspaper. 

 
 According to him, the deal amounted to about 90 million rubles (equivalent to $1.1 million) After the merger of the two companies, Rusonyx's customer base will increase by 12 thousand to 37 thousand, and Infobox employees will become part of the Moscow company. The combined structure's annual turnover is expected to exceed 300 million rubles (equivalent to $3.9 million).

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/khosting-provaider-rusonyx-priobrel-kompaniiu-infobox/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Rusonyx hosting provider acquires Infobox for $1.1 million

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), together with the investment platform Mubadala Investment Company and other Middle Eastern sovereign funds, bought out 7.85% of the shares in the AliExpress Russia joint venture from Alibaba Group. 

 
 When establishing a joint venture (JV) in 2019, RDIF reserved the exclusive right to acquire a 7.85% stake in the joint venture from Alibaba Group, and the corresponding option was exercised on January 28. As stated in RDIF, the deal "accelerates the development of the growing digital economy in Russia by pooling the resources and experience of all shareholders."

 
 Director General of the Fund <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/kirilldmitrievofficial/">Kirill Dmitriev</a> said that "a significant increase in e-commerce volumes allows us to predict further robust growth in AliExpress Russia, including in connection with the coronavirus pandemic and changes in consumer preferences in favor of online shopping." He also expects the joint venture to become one of the largest marketplaces in Europe.

 
 The deal to create the AliExpress Russia joint venture was <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/zakryta-sdelka-po-sozdaniiu-sovmestnogo-predpriiatiia-aliexpress-rossiia/">closed</a> in October 2019. By the end of November of the same year, the number of unique AliExpress users in Russia <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/aliexpress-vpervye-raskryl-rezultaty-partnerstva-s-mail-ru-group/">reached</a>&nbsp;24.9 million people per month.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/rfpi-vykupil-u-alibaba-doliu-v-rossiiskom-aliexpress/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)

Russian Direct Investment Fund bought out a stake in Russian AliExpress from Alibaba

Care Mentor AI service entered the SBERmed.AI digital ecosystem

The weekly observer of Moscow's tech stories

<hr />
<h2>
 MARKET IN BRIEF
</h2>

 
 main news about Moscow's projects, developers and technologies

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-opens-access-to-ai-technologies-for-doctors-all-over-russia/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/450719cc-858c-546c-8477-c44280eda7e8.png">
 </a>
 </div>

<ul>
 <li>Moscow <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-opens-access-to-ai-technologies-for-doctors-all-over-russia/">opens</a> access to AI technologies for doctors all over Russia</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Big Data Platform, a joint venture of VTB and Rostelecom, <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/big-data-platform-a-joint-venture-of-vtb-and-rostelecom-has-created-a-new-service-for-business-to-work-with-big-data/">has created</a> a new service for business to work with big data</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Estonian taxi service Bolt <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/estonian-taxi-service-bolt-has-announced-the-search-for-partners-to-launch-in-moscow-and-the-regions/">has announced</a> the search for partners to launch in Moscow and the regions</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>RZD Technologies and Robin <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/rzd-technologies-and-robin-will-create-a-marketplace-for-robotic-software-solutions/">will create</a> the first Russian marketplace for robotic software solutions &nbsp;(Cards of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/cards/?tags=Robin">Robin</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Mindsmith <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/mindtsmith-zapustila-biblioteku-navigator-po-tsifrovym-valiutam-tsentralnykh-bankov-mira/">launches</a> CBDC Navigator, a curated library of resources on Central Bank Digital Currency</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>VisionLabs and Examus <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/visionlabs-and-examus-have-developed-a-distance-examination-solution/">have developed</a> a distance examination solution (Сards of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=VisionLabs">VisionLabs</a> and a card of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/examus/">Examus</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Intellogic <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/intellogic-received-a-ce-mark-certification-in-the-european-union-for-its-botkin-ai-platform/">received</a> a CE mark certification in the European Union for its Botkin.AI platform&nbsp; (Card of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/botkinai/">Botkin.AI</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Group-IB <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/group-ib-granted-innovation-excellence-award-from-frost-sullivan-for-digital-risk-protection/">granted</a> Innovation Excellence Award from Frost &amp; Sullivan for Digital Risk Protection (Cards of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Group_IB">Group-IB</a>)</li>
</ul>

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 GOV AGENDA
 A law on the "digital sandboxes", experimental legal regimes in the field of digital innovations, <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/a-law-on-the-digital-sandboxes-experimental-legal-regimes-in-the-field-of-digital-innovations-came-into-force-in-russia/">came into force</a> in Russia
 The Ministry of Digital Development <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/the-ministry-of-digital-development-has-developed-a-new-draft-government-decree-on-the-development-of-communication-networks-and-data-storage-and-processing-infrastructure/">has developed</a> a new draft government decree on the development of communication networks, data storage and processing infrastructure
 </div>
 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/">More news&nbsp;→</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 INVESTMENT &amp; IPO DEALS
</h2>

<ul>
 <li>Cognitive Pilot <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/cognitive-pilot-plans-private-placements-this-year/">plans</a> private placement this year (Cards of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Cognitive_Pilot">Cognitive Pilot</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Wikium EdTech platfrom <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/wikium-edtech-platfrom-attracted-investments-to-scale-the-project/">attracted</a> investments to scale the project (Card of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/wikium/">Wikium</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Airo service <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/airo-service-raised-790-thousand-from-mts-for-development/">raised</a> $790 thousand from MTS for development (Card of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/airo/">Airo</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Sberbank <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/sberbank-will-invest-461-million-in-the-goods-ru-marketplace-and-will-become-its-main-owner/">will invest</a> $461 million in the Gоods.ru marketplace and will become its main owner</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS
</h2>

 
 researches, monitorings, reports and other analytics of Moscow and Russian IT market

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/research-small-and-medium-sized-businesses-from-moscow-began-to-connect-to-cloud-services-more-often/">MTS</a>: small and medium-sized businesses from Moscow began to connect to cloud services more often →</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/privacy-predictions-for-2021/">Kaspersky Lab</a>: Multi-party computations and edge computing are going to become more widely adopted in 2021→</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/russian-banks-start-evaluating-customers-using-artificial-intelligence/">Ria.ru</a>: Russian banks use AI technology at almost every stage of customer service →</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 KEY ACTORS IN IT
</h2>

 
 discover people who stand behind the innovative companies and projects in Moscow

 
 Ilia Romanov, Deputy CEO of VisionLabs |&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1368120703">Facebook</a>&nbsp;| <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilia-romanov-38288219/">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Dmitry Istomin, CEO of Examus | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/dmitry.istomin">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitriy-istomin-aa57a157">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Andrey Chernogorov, Co-founder and COO of Cognitive Pilot,&nbsp;CEO of Cognitive Technologies | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/andrey.a.chernogorov">Facebook</a>

 
 Sergey Belan, Founder &amp; CEO of Wikium | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sergey.belan.940">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-belan-aa868584/">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Anton Drachev, CEO of Airo | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007730347036">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/anton-drachev-8a2655163">LinkedIn</a>

<hr />
 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/?filterCategory=Tech-in-Moscow">Previous Tech in Moscow&nbsp;newsletters</a>

Tech in Moscow #21 (25-31 January 2021)

Russian banks use AI technology at almost every stage of customer service. For example, Sberbank plans to cover virtually 100% of client journey with developments in the field of artificial intelligence this year. “We are now looking at the processes and raising the level of their technological and digital maturity,” the publication quotes the words of the first deputy chairman of the board of Sberbank, Alexander Vedyakhin.

 
 VTB uses artificial intelligence in many processes, for example, for generating proposals and making decisions on loans, in voice assistants, call center operations and chat bots. It is also used in revenue estimation models that allow to estimate the client's potential revenue with sufficient accuracy using indirect data.

 
 An algorithm based on artificial intelligence at Promsvyazbank studies the transactional activity of users, their income and expenses, popular spending categories and predicts at what point in time a client may need additional financing and what other services he may need in the near future.

 
 Otkritie Bank (Open Bank) plans to initiate a stream recognition project this year. The idea is to determine which of the customers are present in the branches and determine not only what they are, but also how they look. Thus, the bank wants to offer customers a personalised service as soon as they appear. 

 
 Raiffeisenbank has implemented a project to predict in real time the interests of customers in purchases: based on this data, it is made a suitable offer within the framework of the loyalty program. 

 
 Active digitalisation is beneficial for the banks themselves, the publication specifies. For example, the voice assistant of Tinkoff Bank, Oleg, saves a credit institution 150 million rubles. per month, solving over 40% of client requests. In 2020, Alfa-Bank <a href="https://ict.moscow/news/alfa-bank-otkryl-v-moskve-otdelenie-budushchego-s-biometricheskoi-sistemoi/" target="_blank">began</a> transforming its branch network into a Phygital office format. The biometric system recognises the client in them and automatically enters the electronic queue.

 
 <a href="https://ria.ru/20210128/banki-1594888702.html" target="_blank">Original (in Russian)</a>

ria.ru

Russian banks start evaluating customers using artificial intelligence

Sberbank plans to invest about 35 billion rubles (equivalent to $461 million) in the goods.ru marketplace and will buy out part of the M.Video-Eldorado shares in the project for 4 billion rubles (equivalent to $52.7 million). This is stated in a bank statement.

 
 As a result, Sberbank will own 85%, M.Video-Eldorado group will retain 10%, and 5% will remain with the founder of M.Video and co-owner of the Goods.ru marketplace Alexander Tynkovan. It is planned that all parties will be represented on the board of directors of the marketplace.

 
 Sberbank plans to integrate goods.ru with SberLogistika, SberMarket, Sber Eapteka, Samokat in order to create “one of the key players in the e-commerce market in Russia”.

 
 At the moment, goods.ru has 18 main categories with 2.5 million goods, in the future their number will increase, Sberbank added. M.Video as a remaining partner will focus on the development of its core business and will expand the range of its own marketplace according to the 3P model (selling partners' goods without creating inventory) both through direct contacts with manufacturers and retailers, and through the infrastructure of goods.ru on its platform.

 
 Contacts: 

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/atynkovan">Alexander Tynkovan</a>, chairman of the board and president of M.Video, founder and co-owner of goods.ru


 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/kostomas">
Konstantin Maslov</a>, commercial director at goods.ru

Sberbank will invest $461 million in the Gоods.ru marketplace and will become its main owner

A joint venture between Cognitive Technologies and Sberbank in the field of unmanned control systems <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Cognitive_Pilot">Cognitive Pilot</a> is negotiating a private placement&nbsp;with several investors in 2021. 

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000826626015">Olga Uskova</a>, CEO of the company, spoke about this. According to her, after the completion of the transaction, control over Cognitive Pilot will remain with Cognitive Technologies and management (now having 70% of the authorised capital, the remaining 30% - owned by Sberbank).

 
 The next step in raising funds may be the public offering of the Cognitive Pilot in 2022-2024. The IPO parameters and the site on which the company will be listed have not yet been determined. The company also plans to develop in foreign markets: this year it should have sales and service offices in Brazil and Argentina. The key product that will be promoted abroad is the <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/cognitive-agro-pilot/">Cognitive Agro Pilot </a>control system for unmanned agricultural equipment.

 
 Among the company's plans for 2021, which were announced at the end of last year, is the <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/cognitive-pilot-to-start-mass-production-of-unmanned-train-control-systems-in-2021/">start</a> of mass production of the Cognitive Rail Pilot unmanned train control systems.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/cognitive-pilot-planiruet-provesti-chastnoe-razmeshchenie-kapitala-v-etom-godu/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Cognitive Pilot plans private placement this year

The weekly observer of Moscow's tech stories 

<hr />
<h2>
 MARKET IN BRIEF
</h2>

 
 main news about Moscow's projects, developers and technologies

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/fare-payment-system-based-on-facial-recognition-face-pay-will-be-implemented-at-the-ticket-offices-of-the-moscow-metro/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/a92cca7b-21a8-5749-9aab-d9bc89393daa.png">
 </a>
 </div>
 
 
 

<ul>
 <li>Fare payment system based on facial recognition Face Pay will be <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/fare-payment-system-based-on-facial-recognition-face-pay-will-be-implemented-at-the-ticket-offices-of-the-moscow-metro/" target="_blank">implemented</a> at the ticket offices of the Moscow metro</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Sberbank <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/sberbank-has-filed-an-application-to-register-its-own-cryptocurrency/" target="_blank">has filed</a> an application to register its own cryptocurrency</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Technologies of VisionLabs and Smart Engines have been <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/technologies-of-visionlabs-and-smart-engines-have-been-implemented-in-one-of-the-uae-banks/" target="_blank">implemented</a> in one of the UAE banks (Cards of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=VisionLabs" target="_blank">VisionLabs</a> and <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Smart_Engines" target="_blank">Smart Engines</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>First tests of unmanned flying taxis <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/first-tests-of-unmanned-flying-taxis-took-place-in-the-luzhniki-stadium-in-moscow/" target="_blank">took place</a> in the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Charity service on the official portal of the Moscow Mayor and Moscow Government <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/charity-service-on-mos-ru-wins-big-innovation-awards/" target="_blank">wins</a> Big Innovation Awards</li>
</ul>

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 GOV AGENDA
 Ministry of Digital Development <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/ministry-of-digital-development-plans-to-conduct-an-experiment-to-replace-driving-licenses-with-qr-codes/" target="_blank">plans</a> to conduct an experiment to replace driving licenses with QR codes
 </div>
 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/" target="_blank">More news →</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 INVESTMENT &amp; IPO DEALS
</h2>

<ul>
 <li>Softline <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/softline-acquires-95-of-indian-cloud-services-provider-embee-software/" target="_blank">acquires</a> 95% of Indian cloud services provider Embee Software (Cards of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Softline" target="_blank">Softline</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Motorica, developer of prostheses, <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/motorica-developer-of-prostheses-attracted-5-4-million-for-international-development/" target="_blank">attracted</a> $5.4 million for international development (Card of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=Motorica" target="_blank">Motorica</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Skyeer, developer of a cloud platform for controlling construction using geospatial data, <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/skyeer-developer-of-a-cloud-platform-for-controlling-construction-using-geospatial-data-attracted-investment-for-the-development/" target="_blank">attracted investment</a> for the development (Card of <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/skyeer/" target="_blank">Skyeer</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>The first resident of Skolkovo, Svetofor ed-tech project, <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/the-first-resident-of-skolkovo-svetofor-ed-tech-project-entered-the-moscow-exchange/" target="_blank">entered</a> the Moscow Exchange</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS
</h2>

 
 researches, monitorings, reports and other analytics of Moscow and Russian IT market

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/activity-of-the-worlds-central-banks-in-the-study-of-blockchain-technology/" target="_blank">Mindsmith</a>: 74% of the world's central banks are interested in blockchain technology</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/acra-investments-in-the-development-of-5g-in-russia-until-2027-may-amount-to-13-5-15-billion/" target="_blank">ACRA</a>: investments in the development of 5G in Russia until 2027 may amount to $13.5 - 15 billion</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/research-effective-digital-transformation-can-bring-russia-up-to-520-billion/" target="_blank">Google &amp; RANEPA</a>: effective digital transformation can bring Russia up to $520 billion</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 LONGREAD
</h2>

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/2020-ai-regulation/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/e6cecc25-af94-52dd-80a7-7146bab65765.jpeg">
 </a>
 </div>

 
 Russian and foreign regulation processes in 2020 received a strong impetus for development: American, European and Russian regulators published and approved new documents, standards and data in the AI field, countries formulated new global goals and objectives for the development of the technology.

 
 ICT.Moscow talked with experts in the AI regulation, summed up the results of 2020 and found out about the possible vectors of development in 2021.

<div class="incut-block ">
 
 We are witnessing a change in the overall trend in regulation. Until 2020, the approaches to AI and its regulation were strategized, and every national strategy has a part on regulation and ethics. In some strategies it is a reference (paragraph or line), in other strategies - a section, and in some strategies it is a driving factor, as it is in Russia.
 
 
 
 
 
 In 2020, we observed the next stage, when experts started developing detailed regulation - not the acts themselves were adopted, but approaches towards the regulation of AI were being thoroughly developed. We see that different countries in the world have developed documents that shape vectors in regulation for the next five years.
 
 <div class="quote-owner">
 <div class="quote-owner__logo">
 <img alt="Andrey Neznamov&nbsp;" src="https://ict.moscow/static/ae4ddbcf-b2d2-506e-932f-9eda53afe77b.jpeg">
 </div >
 <div>
 
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avneznamov" target="_blank">
 Andrey Neznamov&nbsp;
 </a>
 
 Executive Director of the Data Research Center for Government Bodies of Sberbank
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
<div class="incut-block ">
 
 Many countries continue to create national concepts of artificial intelligence, megacities are creating strategies for the development of AI within the framework of smart cities. Thorough documents that contain specific approaches to the legal regulation of AI are also being developed. In general, regulators are paying increased attention to digital technologies and the Internet.
 
 <div class="quote-owner">
 <div class="quote-owner__logo">
 <img alt="Ivan Buturlin" src="https://ict.moscow/static/ffeeb0da-8ffe-5121-813d-f99032345c99.jpeg">
 </div >
 <div>
 
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ivan.buturlin" target="_blank">
 Ivan Buturlin
 </a>
 
 Head of Artificial Intelligence at the IT Department of Moscow Government
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
<div class="incut-block ">
 
 There have been many developments in the world regulation system this year. The first document on AI ethics - Recommendation on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence - is being developed at UNESCO. The Council of Europe is developing a document in the field of human rights in AI. Russia is actively involved in their development. The main global trends are shaped by the fact that more and more sites and platforms start to form a global position on AI.
 
 <div class="quote-owner">
 <div class="quote-owner__logo">
 <img alt="Rustam Tikhonov" src="https://ict.moscow/static/8c9f7ae3-1474-59da-83f4-ab6108973b29.jpeg">
 </div >
 <div>
 
 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rustam.tikhonov" target="_blank">
 Rustam Tikhonov
 </a>
 
 Director of the Department of Strategic Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/2020-ai-regulation/" target="_blank">Read full article → </a>

<hr />
<h2>
 AI CASES FROM RUSSIA
</h2>

 
 a showcase of some AI cases

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/projects/ai/?integrationId=600a9c8c316cf33790535622" target="_blank">Care Mentor AI </a>

 
 Detection of longitudinal flatfoot using X-ray images

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/projects/ai/?integrationId=600a9d8c5602110dbf41c1f2" target="_blank">Speech Technology Center</a>

 
 Implementing a chatbot for processing requests from passengers of the Moscow metro

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/projects/ai/?integrationId=600a9eb7112d1a2185303db2" target="_blank">Nornickel</a>

 
 Implementing an AI-based system to optimize nickel recovery

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/projects/ai/" style="" target="_blank">More AI cases → </a>

<hr />
<h2>
 KEY ACTORS IN IT
</h2>

 
 discover people who stand behind the innovative companies and projects in Moscow

 
 Anton Nazarkin, International Development Director of VisionLabs | <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-nazarkin-70701017/">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Nikita Arlazarov, CFO of Smart Engines | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-arlazarov-849b8166/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Alexander Atamanov, Head of Hoversurf | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AVAtamanov" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-atamanov-26b850ab" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Ilya Chekh, Founder & CEO of Motorica | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilya.chekh" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/ilya-chekh/ru-ru" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Grigory Bolotin, Co-founder of Skyeer | <a href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/grigory-bolotin-1a59596" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>

<hr />
 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/?filterCategory=Tech-in-Moscow" target="_blank">Previous Tech in Moscow newsletters</a>

Tech in Moscow #20 (18 - 24 January 2021)

Sberbank has filed an application with the Central Bank to launch a platform to issue its own cryptocurrency - Sbercoin, said Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of the bank's board. According to him, the launch is scheduled for this spring.

 
 The application was submitted in accordance with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/prezident-rf-podpisal-zakon-o-tsifrovykh-finansovykh-aktivakh/">law</a> on digital financial assets, which came into force in Russia on January 1. The technology has already been tested in the bank. The company plans to apply it in the field of digital bills. The deputy chairman of the bank's board is convinced that replacing a paper bill with an electronic one opens up great opportunities.&nbsp; 

 
 Sberbank announced plans to release its own cryptocurrency in August 2020. As noted by the director of the Transactional Business Division, Sergei Popov, we are talking about the creation of tokens that can be used in payments for digital financial assets.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/sberbank-podal-zaiavku-na-registratsiiu-sobstvennoi-kriptovaliuty/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Sberbank has filed an application to register its own cryptocurrency

Softline agreed to purchase 95% of Indian cloud services provider Embee Software. The Russian company expects that the deal will allow it to strengthen its position in the Indian market, become the second largest Microsoft partner in this region in terms of sales, and actively promote its solutions. The investment amount has not been disclosed and is estimated at $20-35 million. 

 
 Softline already operates in 50 countries of the world, including the markets of Eastern Europe, America and Asia and is one of the top 5 IT companies in Russia. At the end of 2019, the company's turnover, according to its own data, exceeded $1.54 billion, growth in Russia was 65% in rubles.&nbsp;

 
 As reported in December, Softline agreed to purchase 63.38% in Softline AG, German IT consulting and support company of the same name for about €7.6 million. The deal should help Softline gain a foothold in Western Europe, and it is planned to close it by March 31. Softline AG is present in the markets of the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Great Britain.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/softline-pokupaet-95-indiiskogo-postavshchika-oblachnykh-servisov-embee-software/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Softline acquires 95% of Indian cloud services provider Embee Software

A startup from Moscow Skyeer, which develops a cloud platform for analytics and control of construction and mining based on spatial data attracted investments. The funds were invested by New Industry Ventures, a joint venture fund of Gazprom Neft, Gazprombank, RVC and VEB Ventures.

 
 Funds invested weren't disclosed. Money will be spend to the development of a cloud visualisation and business intelligence platform using geospatial data and business scaling. With the support of the fund, several corporate and industry versions of the product will be developed and launched, as well as an improved data analysis tools using artificial intelligence and Big Data.

 
 According to the representatives of New Industry Ventures, in the next two years, it is planned to launch a partner network to expand the geography of sales and support the digital platform, as well as its entry into foreign markets

 
 <a href="https://ict.moscow/news/ctartap-skyeer-privlek-investitsii-na-razvitie-oblachnoi-platformy-vizualizatsii/" target="_blank">Original (in Russian)</a>

Skyeer, developer of a cloud platform for controlling construction using geospatial data, attracted investment for the development

Sberbank is interested in buying one of the leading online retailers in Russia, Citylink, which is part of the Merlion group.

 
 According to the source of the publication, at the end of 2020, Sberbank conducted a presale audit and assessment of one of the country's largest IT distributors, Merlion. Another source in the distribution market clarified that Sberbank is in talks to acquire the company's retail assets. These include the Positronic electronics network, the Citylink electronics retailer (more than 650 stores and order pick-up points) and the Computer Clinic Network of service centers. 

 
 At the end of December, Sberbank and Merlion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sberbank.com/news-and-media/press-releases/article?newsID=015b963b-fb02-46cf-94b0-32ecc7f88f97&amp;blockID=7&amp;regionID=77&amp;lang=en&amp;type=NEWS">announced</a> a strategic partnership, under which the distributor's capabilities will be "integrated into the emerging e-commerce industry of Sberbank." As previously <a target="_blank" href="https://vc.ru/trade/182323-sber-zapustit-sobstvennyy-marketpleys-v-2021-godu-i-vykupit-kontrol-v-sbermarkete-u-sp-s-mail-ru-group">explained</a> by the deputy chairman of the bank's board Lev Khasis, Sberbank intends to enter the top three in the Russian e-commerce market by 2023. To do this, it is planned to launch a marketplace in 2021 and buy out a majority stake in Sbermarket, which is now part of a joint venture with Mail.ru Group.

 
 After the <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/yandex-announced-the-division-of-assets-with-sberbank/">division</a> of assets with Yandex, Sberbank's interest in the retail assets of Merlion is logical, says Mikhail Burmistrov, CEO of Infoline-Analytics. Last summer, Sberbank was interested in buying a stake in Ozon, and in the fall it began negotiations with M.Video on the joint development of its Goods.ru, the expert noted.

 
 Among the assets of Merlion, the most attractive for Sberbank may be Citylink due to its extensive network of orders, adds Mikhail Burmistrov. According to Data Insight, the sales volume of Citilink in 2019 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/research/reiting-top-100-krupneishikh-internet-magazinov-rossii-v-2019-g/">amounted</a> to 90.4 billion rubles, this is the second result among online retailers in the Russian Federation after Wildberries.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/sberbank-mozhet-kupit-onlain-riteilera-sitilink-iz-gruppy-merlion/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Sberbank may purchase an online retailer Citylink, which is part of the Merlion group

Most notable events in the field of foreign and Russian AI regulation

Results of 2020: time for detailed regulation of artificial intelligence

Sberbank began testing self-driving vehicles on the roads of Moscow

The weekly observer of Moscow's tech stories

<hr />
<h2>
 MARKET IN BRIEF<a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a>
</h2>

 
 main news about Moscow's projects, developers and technologies

 <div>
 <a class="image_link" target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-metro-launched-a-service-for-instant-fare-payment-in-partnership-with-vtb-google-and-mastercard/">
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/435b9df4-de31-5b3e-a97b-7c5aa76bd77e.png">
 </a>
 </div>

<ul>
 <li>Moscow Metro <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/moscow-metro-launched-a-service-for-instant-fare-payment-in-partnership-with-vtb-google-and-mastercard/">launched</a> a service for instant fare payment in partnership with VTB, Google and Mastercard</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Beeline and Nokia will jointly <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/beeline-and-nokia-will-jointly-implement-open-ran-concept-which-will-accelerate-the-deployment-of-5g-networks/">implement</a> Open RAN concept, which will accelerate the deployment of 5G networks</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>VTB and MTS <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/vtb-and-mts-completed-a-deal-to-issue-a-bank-guarantee-through-the-russian-blockchain-platform/">completed</a> a deal to issue a bank guarantee using the Masterchain blockchain platform (Card of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/masterchain/">Masterchain</a>)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>YouDrive and Citymobil will <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/youdrive-and-citymobil-will-combine-technologies-and-resources-to-develop-it-infrastructure/">combine</a> technologies and resources to develop IT infrastructure (Cards of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/youdrive-pool/">Youdrive</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/sitymobil/">Citymobil</a>)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Russian retailer Magnit <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/russian-retailer-magnit-has-launched-its-magnit-pay-payment-service-and-will-create-a-super-app/">has launched</a> its Magnit Pay payment service and will create a super app</li>
</ul>

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 GOV AGENDA
 A list of AI solutions that will be implemented in Russian ministries in 2023-2024 has been <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/the-ministry-of-digital-development-has-formed-a-list-of-ai-solutions-that-will-be-implemented-in-russian-ministries-in-2023-2024/">formed</a> by The Ministry of Digital Development
 An inventory of IT resources of Russian government agencies will be <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/the-ministry-of-digital-development-will-conduct-an-inventory-of-it-resources-of-government-agencies/">conducted</a> until April 2021
 </div>
 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/">More news&nbsp;→</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 INVESTMENT DEALS<a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a>
</h2>

<ul>
 <li>Softline <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/softline-acquires-german-it-company-softline-ag/">acquires</a> 63.38% of the German IT company Softline AG&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Mamba dating service <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/mamba-dating-service-enters-the-italian-and-german-markets/">enters</a> the Italian and German markets (Card of <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/mamba/">Mamba</a>)<a target="_blank" class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a></li>
 <li>VTB is <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/vtb-will-transfer-50-of-citybike-shares-to-the-moscow-city-free-of-charge/">ready to transfer</a> 50% shares of the capital's bicycle rental operator CityBike to the Moscow city free of charge</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS<a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a>
</h2>

 
 researches, monitorings, reports and other analytics of Moscow and Russian IT market

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/russian-enterprise-storage-systems-tracker-market-q3-2020/">IDC</a>: external storage systems for a total amount of $129.72 million were delivered to the Russian market in Q3 2020 →</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/research/the-story-of-the-year-remote-work/">Kaspersky Lab</a>: more than 1.66 million unique malicious files were detected spread under the guise of messengers and online conference applications during COVID-19 pandemic →</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/ministry-of-digital-development-mobile-traffic-in-the-first-three-quarters-of-this-year-grew-by-one-and-a-half-times/">Ministry of Digital Development</a>: mobile traffic in the first three quarters of this year grew by one and a half times →</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/data-insight-the-volume-of-russian-online-export-will-grow-by-42-by-the-end-of-2020/">eBay and Data Insight</a>: the volume of Russian online export will grow by 42% by the end of 2020&nbsp;→</li>
</ul>

<hr />
<h2>
 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FROM MOSCOW<a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a>
</h2>

 
 a showcase of some e-payment solutions&nbsp;

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/visa-qiwi-wallet/">QIWI wallet</a>

 
 Electronic payment system

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/yandekskassa/">Yandex.Checkout</a>

 
 Online payment service for business

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/briskly/">Briskly pay</a>

 
 Contactless payment service

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/card/1c-sim/">1C-SIM</a>

 
 Personal electronic signature tool

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/cards/?tags=electronic_payments">More solutions&nbsp; →</a>

<hr />
<h2>
 KEY ACTORS IN IT<a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a><a class="ce-block__copy-anchor-btn"></a>
</h2>

 
 discover people who stand behind the innovative companies and projects in Moscow

 
 Aleksey Sergeev, Deputy Vice President of Mail.ru Group, Head of the B2B direction of Citymobil | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sergeev.aleksey">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/sergeev">LinkedIn</a>. 

 
 Boris Golikov, Founder of YouDrive | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/boris.golikov">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/boris-golikov-17903311">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Sergey Chernovolenko, CEO of Softline | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/sergey.chernovolenko.58">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/sergey-chernovolenko-70bb41a1">LinkedIn</a>

 
 Andrey Bronetskiy, CEO of Mamba | <a target="_blank" href="https://ru.linkedin.com/in/andrey-bronetskiy-04167712">LinkedIn</a>

<hr />
 
 ❄️❄️❄️

 
 ICT.Moscow team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 
 Next issue of the Tech in Moscow newsletter will be available on January 18th.&nbsp;

 
 ❄️❄️❄️

<hr />
 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/en/news/?filterCategory=Tech-in-Moscow">Previous Tech in Moscow&nbsp;newsletters</a>

Tech in Moscow #18 (14 - 20 December 2020)

Russian IT distributor Softline has agreed to purchase 63.38% of the German IT company Softline AG of the same name.&nbsp;

 
 According to Igor Borovikov, Chairman of the Board Europe, the deal is planned to be closed by March 31, 2021, and based on the market capitalisation, its amount could be about €7.6 million.&nbsp;

 
 Despite the same names, the Russian and German companies were not connected before. Softline AG was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Germany. The company also operates in the markets of the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

 
 As the managing partner of Leta Capital, Alexander Chachava, explained to the publication, the purchase of a German company has two values: a name and historically established contracts, he believes. The acquisition of the company of the same name removes legal risks and solves the issue of branding in the Western European market, in addition, Softline AG already has contracts, which is important for a distributor and allows it to become a point of entry into a new territory.

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/softline-pokupaet-nemetskuiu-it-kompaniiu-softline-ag/">Original (in Russian)</a>

Softline acquires 63.38% of the German IT company Softline AG

According to Kommersant, VTB Group is ready to donate 50% of Citibike JSC, the capital's bicycle rental operator to the city of Moscow. At the beginning of 2020, Deputy Mayor of the capital Maxim Liksutov addressed the head of VTB, Andrey Kostin, with such a proposal. The Moscow Transport Department and VTB's press service confirmed that such a deal is being considered, but they did not disclose any details until final approval.

 
 The department added that they would like to jointly develop a city bike rental project. VTB explained that the integration of Citibike with the city will allow the development of a rental service: the project requires investments for the construction of bike paths, the installation of bicycle traffic lights, and the purchase of electric bicycles and stations for them.In 2019, the Citibike had 5.44 thousand bicycles and 529 stations throughout Moscow. By the end of 2020, there should be 6.77 thousand bicycles and 630 stations. In 2019, almost half of Citibike's revenue came from advertising on bicycles and VTB stations. 

 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://ict.moscow/news/vtb-bezvozmezdno-peredast-moskve-50-aktsii-sitibaika/">Original (in Russian)</a>

VTB is ready to transfer 50% shares of the capital's bicycle rental operator CityBike to the Moscow city free of charge

Articles

Tech in Moscow

exclusive

analytics

Columns

Digest about AI in Russia

interview

ICT.Moscow  — Market in Brief

At
the beginning of July, a video with a driverless Yandex.Rover in the streets of
Moscow appeared online. The technology is supposed to become a useful tool in
e-commerce - it is evident from the fact that Amazon corporation launched
similar rovers in the summer of 2019.

<div>
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/f0c69ba0-fc75-5b47-b36d-ea07cb40845d.gif">
</div>

 
 Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://t.me/rian_ru/44820">RIA Novosti</a>

 
 ICT.Moscow
decided to learn about Yandex’s plans on implementing the technology in Russian
e-commerce and asked about the peculiarities of working on driverless
transport. The representative of the company revealed where the rovers have
already been implemented, spoke about their readiness for real operation and
explained the details of the development of a universal technology for
self-driving vehicles.

 
 Read
the interview of ICT.Moscow to learn where the delivery robots will appear
first, when the driverless transport technology will be ready for operation in
the most difficult road conditions and where and why Yandex tests its
self-driving cars.

<hr />
 
 —&nbsp;You
started to use Yandex.Rover in the streets of Moscow. Does it mean that the
technology will soon be ready for operation in real-life conditions?

 
 —
We have been using our rovers in the streets of Moscow for quite a long time
for collecting data, testing and training algorithms. This time a journalist
was nearby, and he shot the standard working process.

 
 In
terms of operation, we have already conducted several pilot projects and the
first launch of the robot outside the Yandex ecosystem. We started to develop
Rover in the summer of 2019, and already in November we conducted the first
trial - the robot was delivering documents and small parcels within our
headquarters. November was a good time to launch Rover because of the weather
conditions: the robots had to deal with rain, snow and ice. The robot
leapfrogged favorable weather conditions and faced harsh Russian realities
straight away.

 
 In
February this year we carried out a test integration with “Beru” service. The
piloting was linked to February 14th, when there was a high demand for
delivering a large number of parcels. However, only Yandex employees could use
the delivery - Rover picked up parcels at a single center and delivered them to
buildings.

 
 In
April, the robot got its first serious job - it started to operate at Skolkovo.
The territory of the center is arranged in the way that the buildings of
different offices are situated at a certain distance from each other.
Previously, the employees had to use a car to get to several places to exchange
documents and correspondence. With Rover it is no longer needed - the robot
took over this function. Its route there is about 2-3 km. 

 
 In
fact, Skolkovo buys robot delivery service from us, so, technically, it is the
first commercial integration of the technology.

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 Less than a year has passed since the emergence of “let’s create a robot” idea till the first commercial application.
 </div>
 
 —&nbsp;In
other words, is the technology ready for real-life application? What are the
plans for further implementation of Rover in real commercial and business
processes?

 
 —
We are currently negotiating with several other companies interested in small
cargo delivery using robots. We expect that Rover will fit into Yandex
ecosystem, including FoodTech sector, which has become more in-demand than
before due to the pandemic.

 
 Such
delivery robots allow to successfully develop e-commerce in general. This
sector is rapidly growing and requires more and more people at different
stages. In the USA there is a shortage of staff in the cargo transportation,
because young people are reluctant to enter this profession. Such rovers are
able to meet the increasing demand for water, food and goods delivery.

 
 If
we talk about the possible range of application of such rovers, there are many
tasks in logistics that can be automated using these robots. They not only can
drive through the streets and deliver documents, parcels and food, but also can
be used within warehouses. When we announced the introduction of the robot
within the company, our colleagues from data centers, which occupy large areas,
showed a great interest in it. In case there is a need to deliver two ram cards
from one point of the data center to another, a rover can help. 

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 The main range of self-driving couriers use includes the services where last mile delivery is needed, primarily e-commerce and warehouse logistics.
 </div>
 
 —&nbsp;The
operation process within data centers and warehouses in quite clear, but Rover
will also be operating in the streets, with a large number of road users and
unpredictable situations. To what extent is the technology ready for urban
environment?

 
 —
The technologies that were perfected and tested in driverless vehicles helped
us a lot. We had to rebuild some algorithms, but the basic principles are the
same. It was one of the reasons why we managed to carry out Rover piloting so
soon: it comprises many skills that have already been developed. Moreover, the
scenarios of use are more simple, even in terms of safety: a car drives at
about 60km/h, so the safety requirements are much higher. 

 
 Rovers
drive on sidewalks at an average speed of 5 km/h, in bike lanes the speed can
be higher (this scenario is being tested in Skolkovo). They have already learnt
to accurately detect and recognize the signals of pedestrian traffic lights (in
the same way as a self-driving car detects turning arrows). But currently there
is a difficulty with uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, as it is not clear how
Rover should behave at them - it is neither a car, nor a pedestrian. So far,
the solution is as follows: the robot will let a car pass, but if it
understands the driver sees it and lets the robot pass, Rover will drive across
the crossing.

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 One of the main tasks of machine learning in self-driving transport is to learn to predict the behavior of other road users.
 </div>
 
 It
is not enough to determine where they are driving or going and forecast their
trajectory - intentions are more important. Especially in case with
self-driving vehicles: will the pedestrian. standing at the median strip, cross
the road or not?

 
 To
determine this, neural networks use all available data on the object and the
environment. For example, in case with a car it will be the position in the
lane, steering angle, previous acceleration, road environment, etc. Moreover,
such scenarios have been tested many times in real road conditions. If in the
previous 10 thousand similar episodes a person (a driver or a pedestrian)
behaved in a certain way, in the new episode we can predict future behavior.

<div>
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/f93cf2bc-670c-520b-90b6-6e87f7e0794c.png">
</div>

 
 Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGlf14a7fAQ">Yandex</a>

 
 —&nbsp;And
what about security? Rovers will have to deliver value parcels as well. Is it
safe to leave the unattended?

 
 —
Firstly, they are not left unattended. There are GPS tracker and various
sensors and cameras in each Rover. If the robot considers something went wrong,
for example, if it deviates from the set course, it will send a signal to the
operator, who will be able to access remotely and see what is going on.

 
 Secondly,
a Rover is quite heavy, so it will not be easy to carry it away. Even if
someone manages to do it - what for? You do not know what is inside, and it
will not be easy to pick the lock. If someone succeeds, there can be an
inexpensive product from an online shop. It will also be difficult to resell
the parts of Rover: it will be clear where the part came from. And again, GPS
trackers are installed in Rovers, and they allow to track its movement, just
like in car sharing. 

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 There are not so many scenarios in which something threatens a rover.
 </div>
 
 —&nbsp;You
said that the developments for self-driving car were used in Rovers. So, it is
a universal technology for unmanned transport that requires a minor adaptation,
right?

 
 —
Absolutely correct. Once again, Rovers drive in more simple conditions than
self-driving cars, with&nbsp; more factors to
consider during operation. We will have to pilot self-driving vehicles in
different countries to create a technology that can be implemented worldwide -
only Russia is not enough for this task.

 
 There
are unique things in the USA, which cannot be seen anywhere in the world. For
example, a four-way stop, where the rule about the right of way, according to
which the right-of-way should be yielded to the vehicle on the right, does not
apply. If you arrive at the intersection first, you can continue driving. In
Tel Aviv, where we also test unmanned vehicles, there are things that are not
so common in Russia, but can be seen in other countries. For example,
roundabouts are not very popular in Russia, but in Europe they are practically
the main element of road infrastructure. In Tel Aviv there are a lot of
two-wheeled vehicles: mopeds, self-balancing unicycles, scooters, bicycles,
electric scooters, etc. 

 
 In
Moscow and in Russia in general we also do have these things, but there are
many more of them in Tel Aviv (and they are available all year round - one more
advantage in for training self-driving vehicles algorithms). If we are able to
drive in difficult conditions in Tel Aviv, and then will go to Italy, for
instance, we will be able to drive with scooters, on roundabouts and will be
prepared for other peculiarities.

 
 It
is also important to take the local driving culture into consideration. In Tel
Aviv, for example, you should be very persistent to drive.

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 If you are polite and give way to other cars, you will not drive far.
 </div>
 
 We
noticed this feature in Las Vegas. Local residents, after taking a ride in our
self-driving vehicles, noted that the car changes lanes very quickly. It can be
explained with the peculiarities of driving in Moscow: you have to be quick to
change lanes. In the US it is easier - the people are in no hurry and will give
way to you. We configured the system to drive like locals - we changed settings
so the car could change lanes more smoothly. And Tel Aviv, on the contrary,
teaches you to be more persistent. This experience will be useful for us in
Moscow as well.

<div>
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/d9b1ac1e-196b-5761-9169-d2edfe421001.png">
</div>

 
 Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97kpp_8QGuIъ">Israeli TV</a>

 
 —&nbsp;V2X
infrastructure can be of great help for self-driving vehicles, it allows the
car&nbsp; to exchange information with road
infrastructure objects and other vehicles. How actively is this area developing
in Yandex?

 
 —
That also brings us to the issue of technology’s versatility. If we create a
technology that should be safe and applicable anywhere, we should rely only on
ourselves. Communications with infrastructure and other driverless vehicles is
good and useful, and we are testing such scenarios. But we cannot rely on them
and make them an indispensable condition. 

 
 For
example, a person ordered an self-driving taxi to a location that is far away,
with no infrastructure and no self-driving vehicles around. The vehicle should
be able to drive safely by itself - as if there was V2X infrastructure around
it.

 
 Moreover,
different countries have their infrastructure with their standards of data
transmission. This problem exists, even without V2X infrastructure. For
example, in the USA there are traffic lights that have eight different signals,
including a yellow flashing arrow. 

 
 In
general, the possibility of receiving information about the signals one
kilometer before the traffic lights is a good advantage. Having this
information, the vehicle can adjust the speed, plan the motion path in order to
cross the intersection as efficiently as possible, with minimum fuel and time
consumption. This is a nice bonus, but it is still extremely important to be
able to recognize traffic lights signals using vehicle’s vision. 

 
 It
is not always possible to rely on 5G in data transmission. Firstly, 5G coverage
is available not everywhere. Secondly, the signal can be unstable even if the network
is available. All these are additional risk factors.

 
 Finally,
imagine how much the dependence on V2X infrastructure could postpone the launch
of self-driving vehicles. Then it would be necessary to re-equip all roads,
which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process and requires a lot of
investment. If we want self-driving vehicles to be implemented on roads and
provide services (taxi, for instance) as soon as the regulatory measures are
finalized, relying on V2X is not practical.

<div>
 <img alt="" data-openpopup="0"
 src="https://ict.moscow/static/1200x/f9c48bd4-df84-5ec3-af78-90d74dd7999e.png">
</div>

 
 Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa3A4X6YYgk">Yandex</a>

 
 —&nbsp;So,
if the self-driving couriers and vehicles&nbsp;
technology is ready for commercial use, do we have to wait only for the
finalization of the Russian regulatory measures?

 
 —
In case with rovers, no additional regulation is required.

 
 As
for unmanned cars, in general, we are ready to launch the corresponding
services in small cities, with not very intensive traffic. We managed to test
such a service in Innopolis, where it has been operating for about two years
now. The conditions similar to Innopolis are already suitable for launching
such services. 

 
 As
has already been mentioned, the most difficult task for self-driving vehicles
is to predict intentions. The more road users&nbsp;
there are around the vehicle - the less predictable the environment
becomes.

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 The trajectory for the emergence of self-driving vehicles will be roughly as follows: small cities — suburbs of large cities — centers of large cities.
 </div>
 
 Rush
hour in the center of Moscow is the most unpredictable time for road traffic.
With the increase in the number of cars, the number of traffic rules violations
also grows. The traffic in the center of major cities poses a challenge to
self-driving vehicles, which needs to be solved.

 
 Of
course, now unmanned cars can drive during rush hour in Moscow safely, without
creating emergency situations for other road users and themselves. But it will
take them more time to drive through difficult junctions than it would take an
experienced driver. In every ambiguous situation the vehicle will give way to
other road users.

 
 But
when data accumulates, the situation will change. It can be compared to an
ordinary person - it is probably not a good idea to drive in the center of
Moscow during rush hour right after getting a driving license, when you are still
learning to drive. As you gain experience, you will be able to drive well even
in heavy traffic. This is a task we will have to solve.

<div class="incut-block incut-block-text-small-size">
 In terms of technology, it will take us about three or four years.
 </div>
 
 In
May, it was revealed how and when the regulations concerning self-driving
vehicles would be finalized in Russia. Yandex has also taken part in developing
the plan for phased implementation of self-driving vehicles. During the
conversation with ICT.Moscow, the representative of the company said that the
document was being finalized and would be submitted to Vladimir Putin for
approval at the end of August.

<hr />
 
 ICT.Moscow spoke with Yulia Shveyko, Head of Media
Relations for Self-Driving Cars of Yandex.

ICT.Moscow spoke with a representative of the Yandex team about the commercial launch of driverless rovers, their readiness to work in real-life conditions and the development of universal technology for self-driving vehicles.