Robot Dog Armed with RPG: The Rise of AI-Powered Weapons
The development of AI-powered weapons has been a controversial topic for years, but the recent reveal of a robot dog armed with an RPG by the Russian military has brought it back into the spotlight. This robot dog, powered by artificial intelligence, was showcased at the Army 2022 International Mill Technical Forum in Russia. The dog’s robotic legs are powerful enough to carry and fire weapons, making it a formidable tool for both combat and civilian environments in Ukraine.
The robot’s ability to navigate through areas that have been destroyed by conflict, distribute supplies, and examine damage, makes it an essential asset in war-torn areas. Additionally, the robot dog can transport and shoot armaments, engage in target identification, patrolling, and security. The RPG-26 armament, affixed to its back, is an anti-tank weapon that can neutralize a range of armored vehicles in the battlefield.
While there are concerns surrounding the use of AI-powered weapons in war settings, there seems to be a growing trend of such devices being armed for conflict scenarios. Automation bias, greater decision-making speed, and the possibility of an AI-related military competition are just a few of the associated risks.
However, as it turns out, the robot dog on display at the conference was not a new military device after all, but rather a commercially available Uni-tree Go One, covered with black cloth. The device retails for just under four thousand dollars and was not originally designed for military applications.
Brain Injury Monitoring with AI-Powered Optical Fiber Sensor Devices
Meanwhile, researchers at Imperial College London have developed an AI-powered patient monitoring device to monitor brain injury. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by head trauma can lead to long-term memory loss, difficulty with concentration and problem-solving. TBI must be monitored throughout treatment and in neurocritical care settings. However, intracranial probes, or biomarkers, used to monitor key indicators of injury progression, may only measure one biomarker at once. Other probes can monitor multiple biomarkers, but they require several tubes to be inserted into the brain, leading to further tissue damage and infections.
The flexible optical fiber, made of silica, can be inserted into the brain to monitor cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain. Four sensing films are attached to the fiber’s tip, continuously and simultaneously measuring the levels of each biomarker within the cerebrospinal fluid. These include pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
Researchers monitored the levels of biomarkers in the brains of lambs under different states to test the device. Machine learning algorithms predicted biomarker concentrations using past data and were able to accurately predict biomarker levels in real-time. The device could dynamically monitor multiple biomarkers in order to assess metabolic changes within the brain.
Parkinson’s Disease Detection Breakthrough with AI and Breathing Patterns
Finally, detecting Parkinson’s disease has been a challenge for doctors and caregivers, with diagnoses typically based on motor symptoms that often show up years after onset. Researchers at MIT and NIT Jamal Clinic have developed an AI model that detects Parkinson’s disease by reading a person’s breathing patterns. The model resembles a Wi-Fi router, emitting radio signals to analyze the environment and extract the subject’s breathing patterns. The neural network uses the breathing signal to evaluate Parkinson’s disease passively.
This approach can help assess Parkinson’s disease in patients located in rural areas or those who have difficulty leaving home due to limited mobility or cognitive impairment. The researchers believe this breakthrough can be a significant step forward and help address some challenges in Parkinson’s treatment.
In conclusion, these exciting developments in AI-powered technology can help improve patient care and assist in various areas. However, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications surrounding the use of AI-powered weapons. While these devices can be used for positive purposes, careful consideration must be made around the potential risks associated with their development and implementation.