AI-Powered Search Finds 170 Missing Children in Novosibirsk Region in One Year

A year after its launch, a digital search service using artificial intelligence has helped locate 170 missing children in the Novosibirsk region, according to the regional police department. The system, the first of its kind in Russia, was introduced in April 2025 by the regional digital development ministry and the local police headquarters, with testing involving emergency operators from services 112 and 102.

The service relies on cameras equipped with biometric video analytics, installed at transport hubs, shopping centers, and other public places. When a child goes missing, a photo can be uploaded via a call to 112. The image is then sent to the police in as little as ten minutes—a major improvement in speed. Once in the system, the photo enters the secure "Safe City" platform, where AI-powered video analysis tracks the child's movements across the region.

Police chief Andrei Kulkov emphasized the importance of quick action. "The first 48 hours after a disappearance are critical," he said. "This digital service speeds up the process of finding the child's location." The system also sends a unique ID and a link via SMS to the person reporting the disappearance, allowing them to submit the photo securely. In its first year, the technology has proven its value, bringing 170 children home safely.