Weather, logistics and ecology: FEFU Artificial Intelligence Centre presented the results of its first year of operations in Vietnam

The Far Eastern Federal University officials shared the progress made by the Far Eastern Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its inaugural year at the IV session of the Russian-Vietnamese Commission for Cooperation in Education, Science and Technology of the Russian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The university experts described the Russian and International projects of the Centre and invited Vietnamese colleagues for broad cooperation with FEFU in the field of AI.

From day to day, more countries recognise AI as a breakthrough technology in the 4th Industrial Revolution and a driver of economic progress. In response to the modern challenges, the Far Eastern Federal University is increasing systematic work with technology leaders in this field. For many years, FEFU has been Sber's main scientific and educational partner in the Far East. The collaboration includes training specialists, developing the country's digital ecosystem, and enhancing scientific and technological potential. As a result, in 2022 FEFU and Sber opened the Far Eastern Artificial Intelligence Centre. One of its first projects was a large-scale analytical research on AI regulation in Asia-Pacific countries, supported by the “Priority 2030” programme.

“Artificial intelligence is an attractive field for talented creative individuals who are eager to dream big, achieve their goals, and be at the forefront of scientific and engineering innovation. Thanks to AI, a fundamentally different paradigm of activities of companies, enterprises and industries is emerging right in front of our eyes. The transformation can be seen not only in the economy, but in the social sphere and public administration as well. Whoever uses the powerful technological potential of AI for the people’s well-being and interests wins in global competition, and we, meaning Russia, need to be among the leaders,” – underlined the Vice President for International Relations of FEFU Evgeny E. Vlasov in his report to the Intergovernmental Commission.

It is important to emphasize that FEFU and Sber work in cooperation with Vietnamese partners in the field of artificial intelligence. In April of this year, the tripartite agreement was signed between FEFU, Vietnam National University and Sber. The leading project is an adaptation to Vietnam of an AI-based solution for monitoring the occurrence and movement of tropical cyclones, developed by the Far Eastern Artificial Intelligence Centre and Sber. The solution, presented at the EEF-2023, allows to identify incipient cyclones, determine their characteristics, and track movement, based on satellite signals.

“The model already allows us to gather data on tropical cyclones in the Far East. I am sure that such an invention could be useful for Vietnam to develop   government entities and society warning system about impending destruction in the South China Sea and along the coastline,’’ noted one of the system developers, an expert from the Far Eastern Artificial Intelligence Centre, and the Director of Digital Transformation Academy, Alexander Eremenko.

Today, the Centre is developing AI models and intellectual business solutions for the benefit of the entire Russian Far East. For example, the Far Eastern AI Centre helps optimize the operations of a marine port.

“Integration of an AI-powered model is planned for the container traffic management system. Real-time mode ensures the most efficient placement in the warehouse. The system will consider every aspect of container handling, including warehouse layout, equipment features, and cargo details. Currently, extensive analytical work has been carried out by Sber and the AI laboratory. By conducting this analysis, we have pinpointed the characteristics of container movements at the port, laying the groundwork for focused decision-making and identifying a potential to optimize 30% of excessive movements,” shared Alexander Eremenko.

FEFU in cooperation with Sber and partners is designing an AI-based system for recognizing Amur tigers along with other innovations. All these projects create opportunities for collaboration, including international ones.

“Another potential area in which FEFU can expand its cooperative efforts with Vietnam in the field of AI is automatic forest monitoring. Our researchers have already made progress in detection of minor changes in the forest logging, for example, from the satellite images. Far Eastern Artificial Intelligence Centre will be further interested in applied scientific research of Mekong – an important geographical Vietnamese object. Artificial intelligence methods can be utilized to anticipate various parameters of river conditions, such as temperature, foliar concentration, and monitoring floods using satellite data,” said Vice President for International Relations of FEFU Evgeny E. Vlasov, outlining promising areas of cooperative work.

It should be noted that the Far Eastern Artificial Intelligence Centre also facilitates scientific and educational development in the field of AI between FEFU, Sber and partner universities in the Asia-Pacific region. FEFU has an enhanced contact network in Asia and stands as a pivotal expert platform for reconciling international interests, thereby becoming an expert "entry point" in the Asian region for scientific-educational and commercial enterprises.