Full-Autonomous Weapons are Here
We are now entering the age of autonomous machine intelligence. According to Ukrainian Major General Vladyslav Klochkov, Russia is testing a new weapon, the Shahed MS001, which features an AI brain developed by Silicon Valley. This new weapon is a hunter-killer that “thinks” for itself. There are no human operators, optical cables, or wireless signals to jam. The Jetson Orin AI chip was developed in Silicon Valley by Nvidia for robotic nerds and hobbyists.
This new Russian killer not only hunts targets, but can hunt with other drones like a pack of wolves. It detects potential targets, selects its targets, and attacks without waiting for a human controller.
This Nvidia chip is designed only for prototyping and is not suitable for heavy-duty production systems. It costs about $250. Since it is a “baby” chip, export controls were not a high priority; otherwise, Russia probably would not have obtained it.
Imagine what a fully developed AI chip will be able to do.
A few years ago, we were entertained by the Terminator movie series that featured the rise of autonomous weapons. Humans have yet to master time travel, which would enable us to travel back and alter the past. Instead, we are stuck with what we have already done and what will soon happen.
Combating soulless autonomous weapons is a clear and present danger for Ukraine. They must find ways to counter them and develop their own autonomous capabilities in a tit-for-tat fashion. However, now all the major military powers will be required to follow Ukraine’s lead.
Script from the Wizard of Oz in May 1938, when the movie changed from black and white to color:
MEDIUM SHOT – INTERIOR FRONT DOOR
Dorothy opens the door slowly and peers out.
FULL SHOT – MUNCHKIN COUNTRY – (First full color shot.)
Quite empty of all signs of life. The only sound is the twittering of a bird or two in the distance.
MEDIUM SHOT – DOOR – EXTERIOR
Dorothy comes cautiously out, with Toto under her arm, and looks about. Music comes up slowly.
Dorothy (after a pause)
I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.