Russian road rollers will work on their own – the project has already been launched

The state corporation Rostec has begun developing a new robotic road roller. This machine can operate without an operator in the cabin. The equipment can be controlled and tasks can be set both via the control panel and remotely.


The holding company "High-Precision Complexes" and the association "R.O.S.ASFALT" are directly involved in the new project. The stage at which the automated road roller is currently located is not reported, but it is known that it will begin testing this year.

There is nothing essentially new in this project. But it is still unique, because it is the first construction equipment of this kind. Its main feature is the implemented software complex. It is known as "Prometheus". This is the author's development of VNII "Signal".


The hardware and software complex is universal. With its help, it will be possible to automate any equipment - both construction and military. The system can even be implemented in a public city transport, but to do this we will have to change the legislation in the area of ​​traffic rules.

"Prometheus" consists of video cameras, a computer unit for processing information, communications equipment and a control panel. If you command remotely, you can combine several machines.

Programming road construction equipment with Prometheus is not difficult. To learn how to do this, you just need to complete the training and master the documentation yourself. After completing this procedure, the automated roller can be controlled not only remotely, but also remotely.

The standard Russian roller from the company "RASKAT" was used as a chassis for the experimental model. This is RV-11,0 DS with an operating weight of 11 tons, equipped with an engine from the Minsk Motor Plant.


The management of VNII Signal noted that the introduction of the Prometheus system into construction equipment promises to simplify work. There is no longer a need to look for highly qualified specialists. Operators who can be trained in a few days are enough.

Thanks to the ability to work remotely, the automated road roller can work regardless of weather conditions and time of day. It turns out that the construction machine will not be idle - and this is beneficial to its owner.

In the future, if the hardware and software complex is installed on road equipment on a mass scale, it will allow to speed up construction and repairs of roads several times. By the way, the introduction of Prometheus into rollers is an illustrative case of how military technologies can be used in the civilian sphere.