Drones Can Defeat Humans Using Artificial Intelligence
A
LPHA was tested in simulations and the results have been
published in the Journal of Defense Management. The first
versions beat AI systems previously used by the US Air Force
Research Lab. Advanced versions were then assessed in a fli-
ght simulator by retired Air Force Colonel Gene Lee, an expert
in combat tactics.
After his first fight against ALPHA, Lee said, “It seemed to be
aware of my intentions and reacting instantly to my changes in
flight and my missile deployment. It knew how to defeat the shot
I was taking. It moved instantly between defensive and offensi-
ve actions as needed.”
According to Lee, most AI opponents can’t keep-up with the
pace and pressure of real combat-like scenarios, and can be
beaten by experienced human pilots. But during simulated ae-
rial engagements with ALPHA, Lee couldn’t score a single kill
and was repeatedly shot out of the air.
ALPHA has defeated a few other experts too, even when given
handicaps in speed, turning, sensors and missiles. Colonel Lee,
who has been testing systems since the early 1980s, says it’s
“the most aggressive, responsive, dynamic and credible AI I’ve
seen to date.”
Retired US Air Force Colonel Gene Lee in air combat against
artificial intelligence system ‘ALPHA’ in a flight simulator (Ima-
ge: Lisa Ventre / University of Cincinnati)
The AI is based on an algorithm created at the University of Cin-
cinnati by aerospace engineers Kelly Cohen and Nick Ernest.
ALPHA itself is being developed by the company Psibernetix.
Ernest, now CEO of Psibertentix, says, “The goal is to continue
14
MQ-9 Reaper military drone (Image: US Air Force / Staff
Sergeant Brian Ferguson)
Researchers have developed an artificial intelli-
gence that can defeat human pilots in combat.
This new AI, known as ALPHA, is designed for
military drones or ‘unmanned aerial vehicles’
(UAVs).
developing ALPHA, to push and extend its capabilities, and per-
form additional testing against other trained pilots.”
ALPHA can currently process sensor data and plan combat mo-
ves for four drones in less than a millisecond, or over 250 times
faster than the eye can blink -- reaction times far beyond human
abilities.