RuAviation

The Geoscan Group of Companies has unveiled an updated version of its entry-level quadcopter, the “Pioneer Mini 2,” at the Moscow International Education Fair. The new model boasts a powerful processor with a neural processing unit (NPU), enabling image processing directly onboard the device. This capability stems from the integration of an improved high-resolution camera mounted on a servo-gimbal. According to a press statement from Geoscan Holdings, these technical advancements unlock significant opportunities for exploring artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and programming autonomous flights.

The “Pioneer Mini 2” is specifically designed for use within STEAM education, a learning model that integrates engineering and natural sciences into a unified system. Graduates with this type of education are well-equipped to work effectively in modern technology companies. In Russia, the demand for STEAM education is on the rise. By 2025, the Russian market will require over 200,000 specialists in digital technologies, data analytics, and engineering. This figure is projected to increase to 300,000 in the following year.

The “Pioneer Mini 2” quadcopter allows students to study computer vision algorithms, neural networks, image processing, and autonomous flight programming. Furthermore, students can develop and integrate their own custom payloads to address applied problems. This makes the device a versatile tool for educational institutions aiming to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their curriculum.

Mikhail Lutsky, Head of Educational Projects at Geoscan Group, noted that the “Pioneer Mini 2” introduces students to technologies that have yet to be widely adopted in professional unmanned aviation. This provides school and university students with a competitive edge by building a foundation of knowledge that will be highly sought after in the future. The official launch of the drone is scheduled for April 2025, with deliveries to educational establishments commencing in the summer of this year.

Geoscan Group has been actively developing its educational division since 2017, promoting the use of drones in the educational process. Over this time, the company has produced more than 30,000 “Geoscan Pioneer” training kits. Today, the “Pioneer” line is a comprehensive educational solution that includes several quadcopter models, flight simulators, and competitive training ranges. The company’s products are used in schools and colleges across more than 70 regions of Russia, as well as in Belarus and Kazakhstan.

In December 2024, it was reported that the Geoscan Group had been awarded a government contract to supply unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related equipment to educational institutions. As part of the contract, the company has committed to investing in the creation and modernisation of its production facility in Moscow. The production facilities will be located in the Rudnevo Industrial Park and are scheduled to come online in the fourth quarter of 2025. The total investment will exceed 150 million roubles, allowing the company to increase its production capacity to 50,000 units per year.

The Geoscan Pioneer line of educational UAVs includes several models, each designed to address specific educational objectives. The “Pioneer Mini” is designed for indoor training, the “Pioneer Basic” for mastering piloting and programming skills, and the “Pioneer FPV” for practising drone control in FPV mode. The line also includes the “Geoscan Arena” competitive training range, which allows for educational exercises and competitions in enclosed spaces.