The engineers of the Kalashnikov concern (part of Rostec) have developed an automated combat module that is able to independently recognize targets and make decisions. According to Sofia Ivanova, director of communications for the concern, neural network technologies were used in the automated combat module. This module can be equipped with a Kord heavy machine gun, a PK machine gun or two grenade launchers. The new Russian weapons will be demonstrated to the general public at the Army-2017 forum.
The software based on neural network technologies opens up new possibilities. A neural network today is called a rapidly learning system that is able to function not only in accordance with the initially specified algorithm, but also on the basis of previously accumulated experience. It is worth noting that earlier the Kalashnikov concern had already shown a remote-controlled combat module, one of the functions of which was to track the target pointed to by the device operator. But in this case, the final decision on the use of weapons was with the person.
Modern neural networks partly copy the processes that take place in the human nervous system; they can be built in a similar way to the human brain. That is, a large number of interconnected processes perform some common tasks. Therefore, if you take a closer look at the possibilities of neural network technologies, you might get the impression that the Kalashnikov concern is creating a cyborg - you just need to give its shell a different image, attach tracks or mechanical legs, so that it turns into a character known to us from numerous fantastic action films. Today, neural networks already allow the recognition of various images and human speech. This means that in theory it will be possible to enter into the program "own" language and "foreign", which will help to recognize the enemy. Also, combat modules will be able to visually distinguish the enemy's military uniform from the form of their troops. But most importantly, neural networks can make predictions based on previous accumulated experience. A distinctive feature of neural networks is that they are not programmed, but are trained.
According to military experts, the Russian Ministry of Defense has very high hopes for remote control modules today. The new instance of the combat module presented by the Kalashnikov concern is another step in the development of artificial intelligence. However, there are two problems here that have not yet been fully resolved. First, the remote control modules require fast, secure and highly reliable communication links. Secondly, providing such modules with the possibility of independent decision-making poses a huge risk to a person. There must be 100% certainty that the decision made by the automated combat module will be correct. Even a well-trained and trained person makes mistakes, so it's easy to imagine what a barrage of criticism can fall on developers in the event of an accident with their brainchild.
That is why, at the first stage, new remotely controlled combat modules will be adopted by the Russian army. In parallel with this, tests of modules with neural network technologies will continue in polygon conditions. However, it may take many more years until such a combat module can be released "in the field" for fully autonomous operation.
In the near future, the Izhevsk arms concern is preparing to present a line of products based on neural networks in an exhibition format. A fully automated combat module, built with this technology in mind, will be shown at the Army-2017 forum, which will be held in the Moscow region on the basis of the congress and exhibition center of the Patriot park from 22 to 27 August.
The described combat module is not the only development of the Kalashnikov concern in this area. The enterprise is actively working on the creation of robotic technology. In particular, within the framework of the famous rock festival "Invasion", which was traditionally held in the Tver region (took place from July 7 to 9, 2017), the combat robot "Companion" was presented for the first time, the press service of the Kalashnikov concern reports. According to the director of communications of the concern Sofia Ivanova, the latest developments of the enterprise arouse genuine interest among the audience. For this reason, the concern decided not to limit itself to a souvenir shop and a shooting gallery, but also to show guests and participants of the main Russian rock festival a real combat robot.
Developed in Izhevsk, the "Companion" combat robot weighing 7 tons is intended for reconnaissance, guarding and patrolling the territory of important objects, for clearing and demining. An armored tracked vehicle is also able to be used as a fire support vehicle for troops, transport for the delivery of fuels and lubricants and ammunition, evacuation of the wounded and injured, and guarding.
The control system and combat module of the "Companion" robot are designed for the use of various modern replaceable weapons. It can be an automatic grenade launcher, a large-caliber machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles "Kornet". The combat module of the robot is equipped with a gyroscopic weapon stabilization system, and the control system is capable of independently detecting, identifying, tracking and hitting targets found. The robot is able to work in passive mode for up to 10 days, as well as detect targets at a distance of up to 2500 meters. In addition to autonomous operation, this combat robot can be controlled remotely via a secure radio channel. In this case, the combat radius of the robot reaches 10 kilometers. This robot is able to reach speeds of up to 40 km / h and has a power reserve of 400 kilometers. With remote control, the Companion control panel can be placed in any technique, and Kalashnikov specialists have also created a special small-sized, fully-functional, wearable control panel for this combat robot.
“Based on the research carried out, we see that there is a change in the very concept of warfare with an increasing level of automation of systems and a decrease in the presence of a person on the battlefield. In these conditions, we are moving away from the profile of an exclusively shooting company to a diversified holding, - noted Aleksey Krivoruchko, General Director of the Kalashnikov Concern. - Today we are actively developing competencies in the field of creating unmanned ground and aircraft complexes, conducting research and development in the field of creating unmanned boats, based on the shipbuilding assets of our concern. Our ultimate goal is to integrate them into complex combat systems, parts of which will be able to interact with each other and with the headquarters. The first ground-based robotic system of the Kalashnikov concern was precisely the Companion robot, which was first presented to the public within the framework of the Army-2016 forum.
