South Australia in prime position for human-robot future
HUMANS will control swarms of killer drones on the battlefields of the future and South Australia is set to be on the cutting edge of the new technologies.
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HUMANS will control swarms of drones on the battlegrounds of the future and South Australia is set to be on the cutting edge of the new technologies.
Defence is ramping up its research into “trusted autonomous systems” in the lead-up to the Wizard of Aus, a military event designed to test “human on the loop” technology.
That technology allows a single person to control multiple drones on land, in the air, on the sea, or underwater. They can attack, surveil and defend.
It means fewer humans in harm’s way, while steering clear of controversial “killer robots”.
Defence has called on Australian industry to provide more unmanned vehicles, with contracts set to be signed within days.
The Wizard of Aus is part of the 2018 Autonomous Warrior Trial, a major military event to be held in NSW next year.
SA is home to the Federal Government’s drones and robotics research centre, the University of Adelaide has a new Defence Research and Innovation Network that includes the Trusted Autonomous Systems Multi-Agency Control Laboratory, and SAAB has opened its global Centre of Excellence in Autonomous Vessels at Mawson Lakes.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne told the Sunday Mail that Autonomous Warrior would help Defence understand Australia’s capability to have humans, drones and artificial intelligence working together.
“I’m looking forward to attending next year to witness first- hand world-leading autonomous and robotic technologies that enables trusted and effective co-operation between humans and machines,” he said.
“This event will help create autonomous systems which are highly trusted, robust and resilient, and will bring together the best researchers from and universities, including South Australian companies and institutions to develop the intelligent military platforms that our Defence personnel will need in the future.”
The military operation involves the other partners in the Five Eyes alliance; the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand.
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