Robotics and Artificial Intelligence – Part 1-Military Applications

Introduction

A Robot is a programmable, multi-functional, machine designed to perform complex tasks with a degree of autonomy when required.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy, which can provide responses to the information provided.

It is important to note that Robotics and AI are separate entities, however AI is being applied to Robotics allowing the Robots of all types to act more autonomously using AI in different environments.

Today we are in an exponential expansion of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is being applied to so many facets of human activity, that has created a new Revolution, after the Computer and Industrial Revolutions of the past. However, I believe that this new Revolution will have far reaching consequences for humans that may spiral out of control creating a significant threat to mankind.

The three areas that this Revolution is affecting so far being, ‘Military’, ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Services’. In this Part 1 article we will consider the ‘Military Applications’.

Military Applications

It is well known that new wars or conflicts create new technology to meet the new strategies and actions of the enemy. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 the expansion of Robotics and AI have changed the face of conventional warfare significantly. Conventional warfare usually consists of Battle Tanks, Artillery, Infantry, Naval Ships and Traditional Air Power using manned Aircraft for Reconnaissance and Attack. Additional Reconnaissance is provided by Satellites.

Military Robotics and AI

In today’s warfare these conventional weapons have been expanded by the use of Robotics in the form of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV’s), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV’s) and Unmanned Underwater Vessels (UUWV’s), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) and Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicles (Q-UGVs) (War Dogs). Some of these are Pre-programmed or Human Controlled and others Autonomous using AI. Finally Humanoids are being tested for warfare in numbers especially by the Chinese who have the ability now due to their advanced Robot Agility and AI functionality as shown in the Chinese New Tear Kung Fu dancing exhibition in 2026. The Chines are in the early stages of developing a Humanoid Army.

UAV’s

UAV’s can relate to ‘Cruise Missiles’, ‘Ballistic Missiles’ which have been available for some years now. However, although these are Target pre-programmed, the latest Cruise Missiles are able adjust their flight paths autonomously using AI in different environments. The Storm Shadow and Tomahawk Cruise Missiles are typical examples of many different types in the world.

However, the latest Unmanned Combat Arial Vehicles (UCAV) technology is the ‘Air Drones’ from the size of a small Aircraft to a Flying Insect. UCAV’s of all sizes and types are having a major impact on today’s warfare. These Drones can be pre-programmed using AI or controlled by a Human Operator anywhere in the Battlefield areas or from ground based control centres.

The Large Size Drones are in fact an unmanned Aircraft operated by Pilots in operation centres. These can be armed with several types of weapons similar to an manned Aircraft. They will return to their base after a mission and be reused many times.

The Medium Size Delta Wing Drones are single use controllable flying bombs which explode on impact. These are based on the Iranian Shahed 131 and 136 Drones which have been exported to many countries. However, this type of Drone is being designed and manufactured by many countries.

The Small Size Drones use Propeller Thrust Technology that can move the Drone vertically and horizontally at quite fast speeds. A number of horizontal propellers are mounted on arms which are connected to the central body. The central body can carry cameras or packaged explosives, the small Size Drone can be single or multiple use. They are either manually controlled or pre-programmed using AI.

During the Ukraine War with Russia all of these have shown to be very effective on the Battlefield, at a relatively low cost. Ukraine and Russia have used some of these to destroy Battle Tanks, Military Vehicles and Military Personnel. A huge amount of destruction has been caused to Civilian and Military buildings and People using the Delta Wing Medium size Drones. These are being manufactured by many countries now in huge numbers as they are a very cost effective weapon.

USV’s and UUWV’s

In addition to Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) Ukraine have developed Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV’s) which are single use floating bombs. These are controlled by operators or pre-programmed using AI. These have been used to attack Russian Ships in the Black Sea that have been very effective. Other uses of the USV technology is applied to Mine Sweeping vital for keeping shipping lanes clear of destructive explosions. At present there is great deal of development of the Unmanned Underwater Vessels (UUWV’s) which are a single use Torpedo type vessel controlled by operators or pre-programmed using AI.

UGV’s and Q-UGV’s

There many types of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV’s) and Q-UGV’s as these are playing a major role in modern warfare. So much so that Ukraine are developing a ‘Robotic Army’. The UGV’s are designed for Attack, Reconnaissance and Other Services such as the injured soldier recovery vehicle shown below or Ammunition Replenishment. The UGV’s can be Tracked or Wheeled Vehicles and vary in Size depending upon their role. The Q-UGV’s or Robot Dogs are used in the main for Reconnaissance working with the Soldiers, however some are being Weaponised acting like Infantry. All of these UGV’s /Q-UGV’s can be manually controlled or autonomous using AI. There is no doubt that UGV’s /Q-UGV’s extremely effective in reducing the harm to the attacking Human Soldiers on the front line.

Humanoid Army

Whilst the imagery generated below look more like a video game there are some serious moves in many countries especially China in developing a Humanoid Army based upon the agility and manufacture of Chinese Humanoids, for many reasons as we will see in ‘Part 2 Manufacturing’ of ‘this ‘Robotics and Artificial Intelligence’ article.

Military Application Defences

Due to the major change in UAV warfare there is a scramble for effective Defence Systems. There are many types of Interceptor Missile Systems, such as the ‘Patriot’ system which have designed to combat Cruise and other types of Attack Missiles. Many of these Interceptor Missiles may cost between 2 to 4 million US$ each. However, if these are being used to combat the hundreds of UAV Delta Wing Drones costing maybe 20,000 US$ each, this cannot be sustained by any country. The Ukrainians therefore have developed a Interceptor Drone System which includes Small Drones to destroy the UAV Delta Wing Drones which cost about 1000 US$ each and be manufactured quickly in their thousands. These Systems are still being developed and are very effective.

Conclusion

Technology throughout the thousands of years years of warfare has decided who won the Battles and Wars. Today is no different in fact it is more intense as the technologies are being created at high speed incorporating Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). No one wants war but we must be ready for it at all times, that’s why it is essential to keep designing and developing Defence and Attack systems during peacetime. One very important point is the Unmanned Systems that reduces the risks of the men and women on the front lines. This applies to both sides as it becoming the case that each sides Unmanned Systems are fighting each other rather that using servicemen and women. This is in no doubt the future of warfare. However, there is a huge danger ahead in that many of these Unmanned Systems will become totally Autonomous using AI taking the control away from Humans. This is highlighted in the film ‘Stealth’ (2005) in which the Aircraft AI ignores the orders of the Pilot and does its own thing.

At that time it was science fiction but today is becoming science fact. The next Part 2 will look at the ‘Manufacturing Applications’ and its use of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.