US company’s AI lets Ukraine’s cheap kamikaze drones track targets on their own
Summary
Ukrainian $400 Shrike drones are now being upgraded with AI systems from the US company Auterion. These upgrades allow the drones to automatically track and attack moving targets without GPS, making them more effective on the battlefield. Ukraine is receiving thousands of these improved drones funded by a $100 million contract from a European country.Key Facts
- Ukraine uses Shrike drones costing about $400 each to destroy Russian vehicles and helicopters.
- The US company Auterion developed AI-powered hardware and software to give these drones autonomous tracking.
- The AI upgrades let drones identify and follow moving targets using only their onboard camera, without GPS.
- Operators can manually pilot the drone to a target area, then activate autonomous mode to let the drone strike on its own.
- The upgraded drones can continue their mission even if communication with the operator is lost.
- Auterion’s AI system runs on an $18 microprocessor integrated into the drone’s flight control system.
- Each upgraded Shrike drone costs about $2,000, still far cheaper than Western precision weapons costing millions.
- A European country, reported to be Germany, funded a $100 million contract to deliver 50,000 AI-upgraded Shrike drones to Ukraine.
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