The Neiry group of companies, a resident of Skolkovo, has brought to the final stage of testing a revolutionary product - a biodrone based on an ordinary domestic pigeon. The device, designated PJN-1, is almost indistinguishable from an ordinary bird: only a thin neural interface wire from the skull and a compact "backpack" with electronics give it away.
Unlike traditional drones or trained animals, PJN-1 is controlled directly through an implanted neural chip.
The developers eliminated the need for lengthy training - any bird after a minimally invasive operation becomes a fully controlled aircraft. The neurostimulation system activates certain areas of the brain, creating in the pigeon a "desire" to move in a given direction.
The autonomous operating time of a biodrone is measured not in hours, but in years - exactly as long as an ordinary city pigeon lives. Energy for the on-board electronics comes from flexible solar panels built into the "backpack" body. All this makes PJN-1 an ideal tool for long-term and remote monitoring: from monitoring power lines and gas pipelines to search and rescue operations in hard-to-reach areas.
The accuracy of implantation is ensured by a specialized stereotactic installation developed by Neiry. It allows you to place electrodes in the desired areas of the brain without expensive CT or MRI scans, minimizing risks for the bird.
The positioning system includes GPS, inertial sensors and alternative methods, which guarantees navigation even in urban environments. On-board video cameras operate on the same principles as urban surveillance systems: all personal data, including faces, is automatically anonymized by AI in accordance with local legislation.
It is noted that the cost of PJN-1 is comparable to the price of a mid-range commercial drone, but in terms of range and flight duration it surpasses it hundreds of times.
The project is being implemented with the support of the NTI Fund and previously won the competition of unmanned systems at the international forum "Archipelago 2025".