WSJ: Major Breakthrough Brewing At Front
- 17.11.2024, 12:00
Ukraine has urgently increased the production of cheap drones with AI.
Ukraine has received the opportunity to produce cheap drones on an industrial scale, which are controlled by artificial intelligence systems and reach their target even when the GPS signal is jammed by electronic warfare (EW) devices of the Russian Armed Forces. The modernization of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' drones has become possible thanks to microcomputers, of which manufacturers have tens of thousands of units. The Wall Srteet Journal reported when the updated flocks of Ukrainian drones will take to the air.
Journalists called the newest drones that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive “killer robots that are about to fill the sky.” The article talks about the arrival of tens of thousands of modules from the American company Auterion to Ukraine. These are Skynode mini-computers, thanks to which drones will be able to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology and will not be interfered with by enemy EW systems, the WSJ explained. The publication's analysts noted that Ukraine, thanks to these cheap modules, will be able to scale up the production of updated UAVs. Moreover, this could happen in the near future.
“Now, an even bigger breakthrough looms: mass-produced automated drones. In a significant step not previously reported, Ukraine’s drone suppliers are ramping up output of robot attack drones to an industrial scale, not just prototypes,” stated in the article.
It is also noted what is special about the breakthrough Ukraine is making. The new modules make it possible to produce much cheaper AI devices than was possible before. A mini-computer costs $15, and a miniature video camera costs the same. In the photo of the module from the breakingdefense portal, we see that the microcomputer is the size of a finger.
When the device “the size of a dinner plate” under the control of an operator reaches Russian positions, it falls under the influence of electronic warfare. After this, the signal is lost, which means controllability: successful testing with old systems was at the level of one in five. After the integration of AI, the computer takes over target guidance: the efficiency is nine out of ten, WSJ assures.
The article explained that such AI systems are usually installed on cruise missiles. However, Ukrainian specialists have created software that is installed on Skynode. Tens of thousands of the latest Ukrainian drones will receive computer vision, which will allow them to bypass GPS signal jamming. In addition, the mini-computer has enough power to control the swarm, the publication wrote.
WSJ also reported on the inventions of the Russian Armed Forces regarding drones. Among other things, they remembered about fiber optic coils that prevent radio signal jamming, and about UAVs that are controlled by a computer.
Ukrainian drones — new solutions in details
On the Auterion portal, you can learn about the capabilities of the microcomputer and what devices it can be used on. In particular, it can be installed on drones of the “copter” type, “wings”, a ground robotic platform, and a surface drone.