Russian Scientists Use Neural Networks to Find Hidden Oil Reserves
An AI-powered system called ResNeuro is helping oil producers squeeze more from aging wells—without drilling new ones.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University have developed ResNeuro, a software suite that uses neural networks to identify leftover pockets of oil in mature fields that have been in production for decades. The technology, presented at the Russian Energy Week 2025 forum, could extend the life of old wells and make extraction significantly more efficient.
The AI tackles one of the toughest challenges in petroleum engineering: locating so-called “hidden zones” of oil trapped in uneven rock formations. These formations often create stagnant areas that traditional drilling methods miss. ResNeuro analyzes geological and production data to pinpoint the most promising untapped sections.
Smarter Exploration Without New Drilling
The system’s performance has been validated through independent geochemical analysis and field trials at the Romashkinskoye oil field in Tatarstan, one of Russia’s largest, with about 4,000 wells.
ResNeuro’s novelty is backed by 12 patents, including two international ones—cementing its position as one of the most advanced AI-driven tools for the energy sector.
By turning machine learning loose on decades of geological data, Russian engineers are showing how artificial intelligence can breathe new life into one of the world’s oldest industries.
