St Petersburg University presents the world’s first AI-enabled meter to combat illegal mining
St Petersburg University, Lartech, and Concern Energomera have presented the world’s first electricity meter integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to combat illegal mining and energy fraud. The presentation took place at the International Forum "Power Grids 2024" (IFES). The University contributed by developing the software to enable the meter’s advanced functionalities.
Cryptocurrency mining is among the most pressing challenges facing Russia’s energy system. In regions with low electricity tariffs, illegal mining operations place enormous loads on power grids, leading to blackouts and financial losses for energy supply companies.
The device developed by Lartech and Energomera and powered by artificial intelligence software created by St Petersburg University, offers a solution to this issue. This advanced meter automatically detects abnormal power consumption, helping to prevent misuse. Unlike conventional meters, the AI-enabled device not only records electricity usage but also analyses consumer behaviour patterns. By connecting to the system, it monitors the power and frequency of the electricity signal, identifying abnormal loads and instantly notifying utilities to address the issue. For example, the device can detect activity characteristic of a crypto-farm in a residential area.
Additionally, St Petersburg University and Lartech presented an advanced anti-fraud system to combat energy theft at the forum. The system analyses data from smart metering devices, using an algorithm designed to detect modifications, illegal connections, misuse, and other forms of energy fraud.
Some may question whether St Petersburg University’s focus on engineering and applied solutions aligns with its traditional academic foundation. However, it is evident that this direction was chosen for a reason. Combining a fundamental academic approach to solving engineering challenges with a partner like Lartech yields tangible and impactful results.
Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research of St Petersburg University
The metering device and anti-fraud system presented at the forum won the grand prize in the contest for the most promising developments in the integration of artificial intelligence into the electricity industry.
"Our device with artificial intelligence is not just an innovation. It is a step towards a more transparent economy and a safer electricity system. It helps to detect illegal consumption and optimise the operation of power grids, increasing their reliability and efficiency," said Dmitriy Poltorak, General Director of Lartech.
St Petersburg University is actively involved in the development of applied solutions using artificial intelligence. It is recognised as one of the leading universities in Russia for the quality of its specialist training in the field of artificial intelligence.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science has been established at St Petersburg University. The centre is aimed at developing and implementing large-scale self-organising adaptive and distributed digital platforms for Artificial Intelligence of Things and industrial applications of this technology in digital industry.
Additionally, St Petersburg University has a research and education centre called "Mathematical Robotics and Artificial Intelligence," which brings together the researchers who work on intelligent control, mathematical robotics, and educational robotics. One of the centre’s projects was to create a new method of searching for people lost in the forest using drones.
In June 2024, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, St Petersburg University presented a multimodal system for monitoring compliance with regulations, which can be used at industrial enterprises to ensure occupational safety and monitor the performance of employees. The development combines artificial intelligence methods, modern medical technologies, and the Internet of things.
St Petersburg University, the oldest university in Russia, was founded on 28 January (8 February) 1724. This is the day when Peter the Great issued a decree establishing the University and the Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, St Petersburg University is an internationally recognised centre for education, research and culture. In 2024, St Petersburg University celebrates its 300th anniversary.
The plan of events during the celebration of the anniversary of the University was approved at the meeting of the Organising Committee for the celebration of St Petersburg University’s 300th anniversary. The meeting was chaired by Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Among the events are: the naming of a minor planet in honour of St Petersburg University; the issuance of bank cards with a special design; and the branding of the aircraft of the Rossiya Airlines to name just a few. To mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University, a postage stamp depicting the Twelve Collegia building and the monument to Count Sergey Uvarov was issued. Also, a Soyuz rocket bearing the symbols of the University was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
By the decision of the Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov, 2024 is a year of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University in St Petersburg. On the day of the University’s 300th anniversary torches were lit on the Rostral Columns on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. St Petersburg University flags were raised on the Palace Bridge. The city public transport was decorated with the University’s symbols. During St Petersburg’s City Day celebrations in May 2024, St Petersburg University acted as a participating venue. Additionally, the University has launched a website dedicated to the anniversary. The website contains information about outstanding University staff, students, and alumni; scientific achievements; and details of events held as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the University.