Russian neurotechnology company creates biodrone pigeons
Russia, November 26, 2025 – Neiray has introduced biodrone pigeons with neural interfaces embedded in their brains, allowing operators to control the birds by recording flight missions, similar to standard drones.
“A team of scientists and developers is currently testing their flight characteristics. Biodrones are a new product from Neiray: instead of an aircraft, scientists and developers have started using live birds with a chip in their brains. Thanks to the neurochip, the biodrone operator can control the bird by recording flight missions, just like a regular drone,” the company’s website says. The information also says that these pigeons are almost indistinguishable from regular pigeons, except for the neural interface cable coming out of their heads and a small backpack with electronics.
Pigeons can perform environmental and industrial monitoring tasks, as well as participate in search and rescue operations.
“The key difference between a biodrone and a trained animal is the lack of training: after implantation, any animal becomes remotely controlled. Through neurostimulation of certain areas of the brain, the bird voluntarily “wants” to move in a given direction,” the report says.
The pigeon’s electronics are powered by solar panels mounted on its back. In addition, after the operation, the bird lives a normal life with minimal risk of falling, which makes it possible to use biodrones in urban environments. Neiry developed and implanted electrodes into the pigeon’s brain. The backpack contains a device for stimulating the electrodes and a controller for loading flight instructions. The stimulation triggers impulses that affect the bird’s intentions, such as the direction of its flight. The system is positioned using GPS and other technologies.
Implantation operations are carried out on a large scale, which allows us to strive for the full survival of the birds.
“The system has currently been tested on pigeons, but it can also be adapted for other birds. Crows will be used for transporting large loads, seagulls for monitoring the coast, and albatrosses for exploring vast sea areas,” Neiry founder Alexander Panov said in a statement. The project is entering the final stage of preparation for use in areas requiring long-term or remote monitoring. Neiry is a Russian developer of innovative IT solutions based on neurotechnology and a resident of Skolkovo.
Peter Weiss
