Russian Student Builds Arctic Farming Robot

A robotics project from a Russian university student could help bring fresh greens to Arctic port cities and remote crews, solving food challenges in extreme climates.

A student at the Polytechnic Institute of Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) has designed a fully automated vertical farm tailored for Arctic conditions. The prototype, developed as part of a graduation project, could play a key role in boosting food security across Russia’s northernmost territories, according to Komsomolskaya Pravda.

The closed-loop farming system uses robots to transplant, monitor, and harvest crops without human intervention. That autonomy is crucial in the Arctic, where traditional agriculture is hindered by permafrost, subzero temperatures, and limited infrastructure. The student estimates the system can yield up to 10 kilograms of fresh greens per day.

The technology has already sparked interest from both businesses and government agencies involved in Arctic development. It's being recognized as a promising solution to long-standing logistical and nutritional challenges in the region. Reducing reliance on costly food shipments could improve resilience for port cities and maritime crews operating in harsh environments.

Next, the system will be field-tested in real Arctic conditions. Developers also plan to adapt it for growing a wider range of crops.