Russia is starting to put financial and logistical muscle behind its efforts to develop artificial intelligence — and expects to have a national roadmap for AI technologies by mid-year, Defense One reported.

The new document will form a cornerstone of the larger Digital Technologies national program, the news outlet reported.

According to Defense One, Moscow planned to spend about $419 million by 2020 on AI research and development, but now expects to shell out twice that: $287 million for leading research centers and start-ups, $145 million to develop products, services and platforms, and $287 million for technology "at the extreme degree of readiness."

The shift into high gear started after September 2017, when Russian President Vladimir Putin said AI is "humanity's future" and the country that masters it will "get to rule the world."

A draft AI roadmap was issued last March, when government officials held a conference to encourage cooperation on AI between private companies and organizations and various government agencies, the news outlet reported.

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