Ironically the makers of a computer programmed device which costs as low as USD 35 didn’t imagine in their wildest dreams that their device would manage to defeat a professional retired US fighter pilot with more than 3 decades of experience in the relevant field. Raspberry Pi computer was originally created in 2012 for the purpose of promoting the discipline of computer science.
The US Air force has recently arranged a simulated environment in which dogfight trails were created where the software was pitched against a retired Air Force Colonel Gene Lee. This device was practically slashed from from any assistance but despite that it managed to shoot down its opponent in every attempt and was termed invincible.
The creator of this device, a doctoral graduate from the university of Cincinnati, who built this Pi-Powered artificial intelligence pilot created it for the sole purpose of simulated battles. The Al, dubbed ALPHA encountered the veteran in a series of combats but never once did the mechanical pilot deter from the mission; beating the expert who has battled in these simulations for 30 years persistently. Lee noted that not for once did the opponent felt weary, drained or exhausted. It was the first time in history that an Al pilot has consistently beaten a human pilot.
Gene Lee said, “I was surprised at how aware and reactive it was. It seemed to be aware of my intentions and reacting instantly to my changes in flight and missile deployment. It knew how to defeat the shot I was taking. It moved instantly between defensive and offensive actions as needed. You might have gotten shot down once in awhile by an AI program when you, as a pilot, were trying something new. But, until now, an AI opponent simply could not keep up with anything like the real pressure and pace of combat-like scenarios.”
This artificial intelligence technology has taken the world as Nick Ernest, the doctoral mind behind ALPHA is anticipating to develop the Al as the CEO and President of the firm Psibernetix. According to the experts, the most sophisticated versions of ALPHA would be used in actual combat situations as a supportive wing man. This device would aid in making plans during flights and also reduce the prospects of in flight mistakes.
One of the aerospace professors at the university of Cincinnati mentioned that Al would serve as a breakthrough as it is easy to cooperate and highly flexible to have as a team member. It will also help in developing strategies and suggest the best ways to perform tasks at hand. It would report to the human wing man while providing on spot advice to the team.
Amusingly it seems that this system dubbed ALPHA looks unbeatable hence making it a possibility that all Air Force Pilots might just be out of their jobs. It is not only giving them a run for their money but also proving to be lethal in all combat actions.
image credit: newsweek.com