As their rivalry intensifies, U.S. and Chinese military planners are gearing up for a new kind of warfare in which squadrons of air and sea drones equipped with artificial intelligence work together like a swarm of bees to overwhelm an enemy.
The planners envision a scenario in which hundreds, even thousands of the machines engage in coordinated battle. A single controller might oversee dozens of drones. Some would scout, others attack. Some would be able to pivot to new objectives in the middle of a mission based on prior programming rather than a direct order.
The world’s only AI superpowers are engaged in an arms race for swarming drones that is reminiscent of the Cold War, except drone technology will be far more difficult to contain than nuclear weapons. Because software drives the drones’ swarming abilities, it could be relatively easy and cheap for rogue nations and militants to acquire their own fleets of killer robots.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Dylan Cease says last year with White Sox 'wasn't enjoyable in really any way'
Bernie Sanders campaigns for Biden while raising concerns about Gaza
Point guard Deivon Smith transferring to St. John's from Utah
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
John Swinney is crowned as SNP leader
Chinese scientists create mutant Ebola virus to skirt around biosafety rules
Paedophile hunter reveals he caught his wife's cousin trying to meet up with children online
Putin is starting his 5th term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
Man dragged by bear following fatal car crash, Massachusetts state police say