The Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University welcomed representatives of NVIDIA and Astana Hub on September 24, 2026, as part of a visit focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, joint research, and PhD programmes.

The delegation included Mr. Eran Rosenberg, Head of Physical AI and Robotics Startups at NVIDIA Corporation; Mr. Tanat Uskembayev, Managing Director of Astana Hub; and Mr. Dias Kosubayev, Chief Operating Officer of Alem.AI Endowment.

During the visit, Yerbol Absalyamov, Executive Director of ISSAI, presented an overview of the Institute, its research activities, and its portfolio of AI and robotics technologies. The presentation highlighted ISSAI’s work in developing advanced intelligent systems and translating research into practical technological solutions.

The delegation then had an opportunity to explore ISSAI’s robotics research through demonstrations of several innovative robotic platforms.

Gourav Moger, Postdoctoral Researcher at ISSAI, presented three robotic systems: Improbability Roller-2, a hybrid mobile robot with variable wheel diameter; SoftTri, a tendon-driven soft robotic platform with three degrees of freedom; and Soft Gripper, a honeycomb-inspired robotic gripper with conformal grasping ability.

Dr. Azamat Yeshmukhametov, Head of the Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics Laboratory and Assistant Professor at the Nazarbayev University School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, presented a further selection of the laboratory’s research projects, including Ziyat teaching robots, continuum robots, and smart in-pipe inspection robots.

The demonstrations provided an opportunity to discuss ISSAI’s research in physical AI, soft robotics, mobile robotics, and intelligent robotic systems, as well as potential areas for future cooperation with international technology and innovation partners.

The ISSAI visit formed part of a broader programme at Nazarbayev University that also included meetings with NU representatives and a visit to the Tactile Lab.

Through engagement with leading technology companies and Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem, ISSAI continues to expand opportunities for research collaboration and advance the development of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies in Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region.