Technology
What Military Drones Can Teach Self-Driving Cars
Source
IEEE Spectrum
Published
Similar Articles
DARPA calls for proposals for autonomous underwater drones — gov't looking for a small, cheap autonomous sub that can be developed and built quickly
DARPA has issued a call for proposals to develop a small, affordable autonomous underwater drone that can be quickly built and deployed. The program, known as Deep Thoughts, aims to create flexible AUVs using readily available parts with a rapid development timeline. This initiative reflects the military's interest in expanding drone capabilities beyond aerial vehicles to the deep sea. The U.S. government seeks innovative approaches to building autonomous underwater systems to keep pace with evolving technologies and cost-effective solutions in the drone space.
Tom's Hardware•
Russian-made Shahed drones are ‘disintegrating in the air before reaching their targets’ due to shoddy manufacturing, video shows — commentators call Russian clones of Iran's drones 'flying garbage'
Russian-made Shahed drones are facing criticism for disintegrating in the air before reaching their targets due to poor manufacturing quality. Video footage from Ukrainian Sting interceptor drones reveals defects like missing body panels, stray wiring, and deformed wingtips on the drones. The drones are said to be produced in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone with minimally trained workers using inferior Chinese parts. This decline in quality has led to a decrease in the hit rate of these drones in Ukraine, turning them into tools of attrition rather than precision.
Tom's Hardware•
MIT Technology Review
The Download: the state of AI, and protecting bears with drones
The article discusses the current state of AI as highlighted in Stanford’s 2026 AI Index, showcasing the rapid evolution of the technology and the divide in opinions between experts and the public on its impact. It also features a story about wildlife biologist Wesley Sarmento using drones as a tool to protect grizzly bears in Montana. Additionally, the piece includes a roundup of tech news stories, such as AI's bug-finding capabilities, OpenAI's plans, and the use of AI in mathematics.
MIT Technology Review•
Concerns raised over Shahed kamikaze drone listings on Alibaba — they featured AI guidance to lock onto ‘people, building, vehicles, ships, etc’
Alibaba faced scrutiny for listings advertising "cruise missiles" and "suicide attack drones," some resembling the Iranian Shahed design. These drones, marketed as "pesticide sprayers" or for "aerial mapping," were capable of carrying warheads and had AI guidance for target locking. Alibaba swiftly removed the listings and suspended the sellers, emphasizing its prohibition of military weapon sales. While the suppliers seemed indifferent to the drones' potential use, the existence of these ads doesn't guarantee the actual delivery of such products.
Tom's Hardware•