Chinese military researchers conducted a one-on-one duel between an AI-controlled drone and a human-operated drone in real-world conditions. As reported by SCMP.
Two small UAVs were involved in the aerial duel. One was controlled by artificial intelligence. Its core was based on Nvidia Jetson TX2 accelerator.
The second drone was remotely piloted by an experienced pilot.
According to the document, the AI-powered drone demonstrated “superior performance” in close-range engagements. The AI drone also kept the opponent in a constant losing position.
According to the study, the autonomous UAV quickly dodged the controlled drone and got on the opponent’s tail.
The experiment had to be terminated 90 seconds after it began.
The project was led by Professor Huang Jun-tao of the People7s Liberation Army Institute of Scientific Research. The agency develops and tests futuristic weapons technologies.
“Aircraft with autonomous decision-making capabilities can fully surpass humans in reaction speed,” the Huang article states.
According to the researchers, making sharp turns does not require accounting for human frailties, including blood pooling in the brain from excessive gravitational force or concerns about injuries.
“Thanks to its superior computing capabilities, it can forecast the course of the battle more accurately to seize the initiative in the confrontation,” said Huang’s team.
Researchers noted that getting AI into the sky is far more challenging than launching it on the ground. Limited computing resources can seriously reduce the performance of the AI pilot.
Earlier, American engineers spoke of the first-ever 17-hour flight of a trainer-transport aircraft with AI at the controls.
In February, the U.S. Army entered into a contract with RealNetworks to equip small autonomous UAVs with a facial-recognition system.
In December 2022, a video appeared on social media showing a Chinese drone carrying a four-legged robodog, equipped with a mounting for bearing weapons.