JSC “Research Institute ”Gidropribor" is one of the oldest and most technologically advanced enterprises in Kazakhstan, occupying a leading position in the development of robotic and marine systems for special purposes.

Founded in 1972 in Uralsk on the basis of the special design bureau of JSC Ural Plant Zenit, the institute became a branch of the Leningrad Central Research Institute Hydropribor of the USSR Ministry of Shipbuilding Industry.

Initially, the enterprise was created as a research complex for the development and production of robotic equipment for underwater use – technology designed for search, rescue, and special underwater technical operations.

Today, JSC “NII ”Gidropribor" specializes in design, small-scale production, and engineering in a number of areas:

• sea and river vessels;
• robotic complexes for underwater, surface, land, and air applications (NPA, radio-controlled boats, MRK, UAV);
• equipment and apparatus for the oil and gas sector.

Since its founding, the institute has become a center for cutting-edge engineering solutions in the field of marine technology. Dozens of vessels, mobile diving complexes, buoys, beacons, and equipment for oil and gas transportation accounting systems have been developed there.

The symbolic name “Gidropribor” has become a brand well known in Kazakhstan and beyond as a synonym for high-tech and knowledge-intensive developments.

Among the institute's first projects were the unmanned underwater vehicles Katran-1 and Katran-2, which passed state tests, as well as the products Delfin, Strizh, Zalom, and Dudinka.

The prototype Delphin was used in the search for a South Korean Boeing that was shot down in the Far East.

In its second decade of operation, the enterprise expanded its infrastructure: a new laboratory building was constructed and a testing base was created on Lake Shalkar. In 1989, engineers completed the development of the STIU-2 Ketmen remote-controlled self-propelled complex.

After Kazakhstan gained independence, the institute was transformed into JSC NII Gidropribor and became part of JSC NC Kazakhstan Engineering.

Building on its accumulated scientific and industrial experience, the company successfully continued to design special underwater equipment.

It created the modern unmanned underwater vehicles Omar and Medusa, designed for search, inspection, and engineering work in offshore oil production areas.

For its significant contribution to the development of mechanical engineering and applied science, JSC “NII ”Gidropribor" has been repeatedly recognized with state and industry awards, confirming its status as one of the leading scientific and manufacturing enterprises not only in Kazakhstan, but also in the CIS.

Following its traditions, the institute remains a “forge of mechanical engineers.”

Every year, dozens of students from technical universities across the country undergo practical training and internships at the enterprise. The best of them continue their careers at the institute, acquiring unique knowledge and experience in the field of innovative mechanical engineering.

JSC “NII ”Gidropribor" is an example of the sustainable development of the domestic engineering school, combining scientific traditions, modern technologies, and high professionalism.