DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICABILITY IN IA

Definitions
 A disruptive technology is an innovation that uproots an established
technology, or a revolutionary product or service that spawns a new industry. A
disruptive technology sweeps away the systems or habits it replaces because it
has attributes that are recognizably superior.

 Disruptive technology refers to a technology whose application affects the

way a market or industry functions. In some cases, the business models that
adapt to new technologies generate new markets and values. This leads to the
disruption of well-established companies.

 In the military realm, technologies capable of supplanting a nation’s military

superiority or marginalizing its military power are known as disruptive
technologies. Disruptive technologies exploit known or unknown vulnerabilities of
an opponent’s military hardware and by doing so, disrupt and negate the
enemy’s actions on the tactical, operational (and possibly strategic) level of war.

Types of Disruptive Technologies.

 Artificial Intelligence.

 From virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri or Google’s Home, to Netflix’s

movie suggestions for you, web support chat bots, or tracking the ETA of your
Uber Eats, AI systems help to answer your questions, field your requests, and
make your life easier. Designed to learn more about you in order to make
better, more accurate suggestions for you, these AI need to collect data from
search histories, products purchased, or even overheard conversations, to
discover your preferences.

 Considering bigger developments, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have

been in development for a while. Operational AVs aren’t as far away as you
might think. Google, for example, is already working on an algorithm that
allows an AI to learn to drive through experience—just as humans do.
Autonomous vehicles are expected to bring about a number of benefits
including fewer road accidents, more efficient fuel consumption, and reduced
traffic congestion.
 Healthcare is also seeing numerous possibilities of integrating AI into
existing systems. One impactful application of AI in healthcare involves
connecting an AI with an amputee’s brain so that they’re better able to
communicate with and control the attached prosthesis.
 Blockchain.

 Blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin, is a decentralized

distributed ledger that records transactions between two parties. It moves
transactions from a centralized server-based system to a transparent
cryptographic network. The technology uses peer-to-peer consensus to
record and verify transactions, removing the need for manual verification.

 Blockchain served the purpose of establishing a trust less economy

through its cryptographic and decentralized components, rendering the need
for third parties of traditional financial transactions useless. Blockchain’s three
key features:
 Decentralisation
 Transparency
 Security

 These three features aimed to make financial transactions more secure

while reducing fees charged by greedy banks. The goal was to facilitate faster
transactions that are free from control and the risks of a single point of
authority.

 Quantum computing.

 Although the technology is still in its early stages, it provides

unprecedented scope for the way we process information. The unparalleled
levels of computing power offered by quantum have the potential to enhance
our devices beyond recognition. In a quantum computer world, today’s
network latency issues would become a thing of the past, and computers
would become more varied in capacity and power. We can’t expect to see
quantum in commercial computers any time soon, but an understanding of
this technology will serve businesses well in the coming years, particularly
when they consider how to deal with large amounts of data. This earns
quantum computing a well-deserved place on our list.

 Spatial computing

 Spatial computing blends technology into the real world using

augmented, mixed, and virtual reality. AR puts a digital layer over the real
world, MR places interactive digital objects into the real world, and VR puts
the user in another world entirely. Gradually, alternate and mixed reality
technology has moved away from gaming and into other industries, providing
training, data visualisation, and enabling collaborative work.

 Internet of Things.
  The internet of things (IoT) is an expansive network of “things” or
devices that are connected to the internet, which facilitates their
intercommunication. IoT is another technology that will help to bridge the gap
between the physical and digital spheres. There were 17 billion connected
devices in 2016 and the projection for 2020 spans anywhere from 28 to 100+
billion. The ability to connect devices to the internet is nothing new, but we’re
now connecting more “things” to the internet than ever before. Imagine your
alarm going off in the morning and prompting your coffee maker to start
brewing your morning cup before your self-driving car drives you to a smart
office environment in which your personal space is perfectly adapted to your
needs.

 IoT will see new relationships develop between things and other things,
things and people, and people and other people—all to make our lives easier,
more efficient, and more effective. We already see this happening. For
example, we can control smart thermostats from our phones so that the
temperature is ideally suited to you when you enter your home. Future
developments could see our cars connect with our calendars to navigate
automatically to our destination along the optimal route, or our fridge ordering
groceries when it detects a given food item is close to depletion.

 Next-generation genomics.

 Next-generation genomics marries the science used for imaging

nucleotide base pairs (the units that make up DNA) with rapidly advancing
computational and analytic capabilities. As our understanding of the genomic
makeup of humans increases, so does the ability to manipulate genes and
improve health diagnostics and treatments. Next-generation genomics will
offer similar advances in our understanding of plants and animals, potentially
creating opportunities to improve the performance of agriculture and to create
high-value substances—for instance, ethanol and biodiesel—from ordinary
organisms, such as E. coli bacteria.

 Edge Computing.

 Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm, which transforms

the way data is being handled, processed and delivered from millions of
devices around the world. It brings computation and data storage closer to the
source of data or the devices where it is being collected in order to lessen
latency and bandwidth use. The technology was developed owing to the
exponential growth of IoT devices, which is linked to the internet to either
receive information from the cloud or deliver data back to the cloud. So, to
support all those devices, substantial amounts of computation will have to be
moved to the edge as IoT devices produce a vast volume of data during the
course of their operations.
 Energy-storage devices.
  Energy-storage devices or physical systems store energy for later use.
These technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, already power
electric and hybrid vehicles, along with billions of portable consumer
electronics. Over the coming decade, advancing energy-storage technology
could make electric vehicles cost competitive, bring electricity to remote areas
of developing countries, and improve the efficiency of the utility grid.

 Advanced robotics.

 Advanced robotics - that is, increasingly capable robots or robotic tools,

with enhanced "senses," dexterity, and intelligence—can take on tasks once
thought too delicate or uneconomical to automate. These technologies can
also generate significant societal benefits, including robotic surgical systems
that make procedures less invasive, as well as robotic prosthetics and
"exoskeletons" that restore functions of amputees and the elderly.

 Cyber Warfare.

 As machines and IT systems come to dominate the battlefield of the

future, so will cyber warfare adapt and develop to disrupt them. The ARL
highlighted dynamic hacking and spoofing as a prominent feature of the future
tactical environment due to the fact that the so-called “attack surface” of robot
units will be large, offering a large target to cyber attackers. There is
increasing interest in research into such attacks, including the automation of
reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis. And as human soldiers
become robotised, they will also become direct targets of cyber-attacks.

 Cloud computing.

 Cloud computing has been a hugely disruptive technology in the

business world, displacing many resources that would conventionally have
been located in-house or provided as a traditionally hosted service.

 3D printers.

 The introduction of 3D printing has the potential to create a new

production system by unleashing a disruptive power that the world has not
experienced since the industrial revolution. This disruption could turn the
global supply chain and existing production processes on its head. The advent
of 3D printing opens the way for manufacturers to significantly reduce the
production cost of their goods by eliminating many steps in the manufacturing
process, such as casting and welding metal.
  Human Performance Modification.

 Human performance refers to a person’s physical, cognitive and socio-

emotional functions. Human Performance Modification (HPM) refers to the
use of drugs, techniques, machines or genes to enhance or degrade human
performance. This means that HPM has been, and continues to be, routinely
undertaken in DOD through changes to training, provision of inoculations,
research on post-traumatic stress disorder and a wide variety of well
understood tasks. However, advances in biology and genetics are opening up
a number of possibilities to increase the impact of HPM in ways that present
significant opportunity but also pose deep philosophical and moral questions.

 Other biological and genetic technologies provide the opportunity to

undertake sophisticated ISR and offensive action on adversary forces:
intelligence gathering based on genetic profiles; conducting tag, track and
locate missions using bio-markers; or even assassinating high value targets
through custom-designed viruses

Existing Technology Disrupters.

 Amazon.

 The online conglomerate used e-commerce to shake up the entire

retailing industry. With a simple click of a button, consumers can order
products at significantly lower prices than most competitors. Besides taking
over most retailing companies, Amazon has moved onto other industries that
it can disrupt using its unique warehouse network. These include grocery
markets, pharmacies and bookstores. Additionally, the company is a dominant
player in the cloud computing industry and competes closely against Microsoft
and Alphabet Inc.

 Apple.

 Apple has brought together different technologies and a successful

business model to introduce the iPod to consumers in 2001. The business
model was able to balance the high price of its hardware and software with
the offer of low-profit iTunes music for consumers.

 Uber.

 Uber, an app that allows people to order a private or shared ride, made
a significant disruptive impact on the taxi industry. In 2018, 95 million people
used the ridesharing app monthly. Moreover, CNBC rated the Uber as the
second most disruptive company in 2018.
  Uber not only changed transportation, but it also gave rise to the
“sharing” economy. This economic model is based on a person-to-person
activity of acquiring, providing or sharing access to services. The success of
Uber’s friendly online platform, as well as the rise of start-ups that use the
“sharing” economy, are examples of how disturbance of the status quo can
allow innovation to become widespread in the marketplace.

Emerging Technology Disruptors.

 Sensing and mobility. 3D sensing cameras, AR cloud, light-cargo

delivery drones

 Augmented human. Biochips, emotional AI, immersive

workspaces, biotech (cultured or artificial tissue.

 Postclassical compute and commons. 5G, next-generation

memory, nanoscale 3D printing

 Digital ecosystems. Digital OPs, decentralized web, synthetic

data.

 Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics. Adaptive

machine learning (ML), transfer learning, generative adversarial networks,
graph analytics.

Utilization of Disruptive Technologies by various Militaries.

 US Army.

 Ubiquitous Robots. With the increasing use of unmanned

systems, such as unattended ground sensors, small unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs), and fire-and-forget missiles, we are already seeing the trend
in this direction and the ARL only thinks that it will become more pronounced,
but with the important qualification of becoming more autonomous. Simply
called robots, these autonomous entities would range in size from micro units
the size of insects to self-driving vehicles capable of troop transport, but also
be virtual entities operating within cyberspace. All these systems would be
networked and collaborative, and integrated with human systems.

 Bot Swarms and Mixed Teams. Robots will be able to act in

self-organising collaborative swarms in the same way that the soldier of today
acts in teams. Swarms will involve systems of varying degrees of freedom,
from remote controlled to autonomous, and act dynamically according to
 prescribed rules of engagement. Swarms and individual robots would deploy
to carry out a variety of tasks from independent offensive action to defensive
shields and early warning sensing outliers. However, researchers believe that
the main tactical unit of the future will be a mixed human-robot team and that
this will require fundamentally changing the human soldier.

 The Disruptive Tech Soldier.

 The battlefield of 2050 will be a lonely place. Gone are the

massed armies, instead we will see fewer humans on the battlefield,
but more technologically enhanced ones – “augmented humans”. The
ARL sees this as extending the physical and mental abilities of the
soldier, improving his understanding and interpretation of the
environment, and improving communication with other super soldiers,
“unenhanced humans” and robotic systems.

 Augmentation could see soldiers with exoskeletons, multiple

implants, even genetic engineering to create seamless access to
sensing and cognitive enhancements. According to the ARL, “The
presence of super humans on the battlefield in the 2050 timeframe is
highly likely because the various components needed to enable this
development already exist and are undergoing rapid evolution.”

 Automated Decision Making. At the tactical level the 2050

battlespace will also be more qualitatively automated. Autonomous processes
will make many of the decisions made by humans today. These “decision
agents” would be integral to all C2, IPB, ISR and BDA processes, filtering
information, fact checking and disseminating, as well as deploying sensors
and dynamically evolving communication paths.

 Project Maven. It is a Pentagon project developed by

Palantir technologies, first introduced in Aug 2017. It uses all three
technologies of AI. It uses machine learning and engineering talent to
distinguish people and objects in drone videos, giving real-time battlefield
command and control, and the ability to track, tag and spy on targets
without human involvement. It can identify a veh, building, pers and obj
and suggest it to analyst. Analyst marks it as frnd or foe and it is stored in
database. It is also called Human-Machine teaming. It is currently used in
Global Hawks and Reapers.

 British Army.

 Hand-Held Drones: The Black Hornet Nano.

  It is a military micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Prox
Dynamics AS of Norway, measuring around 10 × 2.5 cm (4 × 1 in) and
weighing just over half an ounce 16 g, including batteries, small enough
and light enough to fit in the hand.

 Equipped with cameras that give the operator full-motion video and still
images, the Black Hornet is designed to provide troops on the ground with
local situational awareness.

 It looks like some toy but it has micro cameras installed, the 18 gr flying
unit is a well-equipped spying tool that can provide crucial visual
information about whatever happens behind a corner or a wall. It is quiet,
difficult to spot, and relatively fast. The operator can be about 1 km away
from the place of action. Its board computer is capable of both directed and
independent flight.

 PLA.

 Unmanned systems

 To date, the PLA has fielded a range of unmanned aerial vehicles

(UAVs) and fielding unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned
ground vehicles (UGVs), supersonic spy unmanned combat aerial vehs
(UCAVs) Sharp Sword and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). For
instance, the PLA Air Force employs the GJ-1, a medium altitude, long
endurance (MALE) UAV roughly analogous to the US Predator, for use in
integrated reconnaissance and precision strikes, and may soon introduce
the GJ-2, a successor that is closer to the Reaper in capabilities. The PLA
Navy (PLAN) operates the BZK-005, primarily for surveillance, along with
more tactical systems like the ASN-209, which has used communications
relays and electromagnetic counter-measures. Concurrently, the Chinese
defence industry is actively pursuing research and development in a range
of cutting-edge unmanned systems, including those with stealth, swarming,
and super or hypersonic capabilities.

 Directed-energy weapons.

 PLA researchers actively pursued a range of directed-energy weapons,

including high-energy lasers, high-power microwave (HPM) weapons, and
railguns. Reported advances in HPM weapons seem to be striking, relative
to the decidedly mixed US record of progress in this domain. In January
2017, the deputy-director of the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology
received a first prize National Science and Technology Progress Award for
his research on directed-energy weapons. The system in question was
initially tested successfully in November 2010 in northwest China, and the
 team has reportedly achieved “major breakthroughs” since then. This HPM
weapon could be intended potentially for initial use as an anti-missile
system, which could be used as a ship-borne anti-missile weapon. This
promising and impactful soft kill capability could also have applications as
an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon or be affixed to a warhead to overcome
enemy air defences.

 Artificial intelligence.

 According to Lieutenant General Liu Guozhi, director of the Central

Military Commission’s Science and Technology Commission, AI will
accelerate the process of military transformation, causing fundamental
changes to military units’ programming, operational styles, equipment
systems, and models of combat power generation, ultimately leading to a
profound military revolution. He warns, “facing disruptive technology, [we]
must seize the opportunity to change paradigms; if you don’t disrupt, you’ll
be disrupted!”

 Chinese research and development is advancing a range of AI military

applications, including intelligent and autonomous unmanned systems; AI-
enabled data fusion, information processing and intelligence analysis; war-
gaming, simulation and training; defence, offence and command in
information warfare; as well as intelligent support to command decision-
making. The Chinese defence industry has achieved significant advances
in swarm intelligence for example and appears likely to continue doing so.
In June 2017, CETC demonstrated its advances in swarm intelligence with
the test of 119 fixed-wing UAVs, beating its previous record of 67. In one
exhibit, China’s Military Museum depicts a UAV swarm combat system with
swarms used for reconnaissance, jamming, and a “swarm assault”
targeting an aircraft carrier.

 JARI-Unmanned surface vehicle. It is an unmanned surface

veh, developed by Jiangsu Automation Research Institute (JARI) in Aug
2019.It uses all three technologies of AI. It is capable of conducting air
defense, anti-ship and anti-submarine missions. It is armed 30 mm with
cannon laser-guided rockets pod, four-cell vertical launch systems for small
surface-to-air missiles and 324mm torpedo launchers. It can be remotely
controlled. It can also navigate autonomously using ai and undertake combat
activities.

 AI In Missile Technology. China is looking to create a new

generation of cruise missiles, which will have a high level of artificial
intelligence. China announced it in august 2016. It uses data processing and
decision-taking technologies of AI. To counter semi-autonomous long-range
anti-ship missile (LRASM) of US. It is capable of autonomously following
waypoints, avoid engagement rg of non-tgt ships and optimize strike loc for
max lethality. It is based on a modular design, which will allow the missiles to
 be configured in regards to what mission they will be carrying out. It allows
cdrs to ctrl them in real time and add more tasks to in-flight missiles.

 Israel

 Guardium-Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). It is jointly

developed by Israel aerospace industries and ELBIT industries in 2008. It
uses all three core technologies of AI. It is used to combat and guard
against invaders along border. It is equipped with sufficient armor to protect
itself in light fire attacks and against multiple enemies. It is also equipped with:
infrared cameras, radars, high-sensitivity microphones, visible sensors, and
hostile fire indicators for surveillance. It can be used in either tele-operated or
autonomous mode. Both modes do not require human interaction. It can go up
to 103 consecutive hours on a single charge.

 IAI Harpy. It is produced by Israel Aerospace Industries in 2007. It

uses data processing and decision-taking technologies of AI. Designed for
suppression of enemy air defence role. It can detect, target and engage
enemy radar installations w/o human intervention. It has a range of 500km
with max speed of 185 km/h and equipped with a 1x32 kg high explosive
warhead.

 Aeronautics Unmanned Multi-Application System. Software

package produced by Israeli Aeronautics Ltd. It uses data processing and
decision-taking technologies of AI. Designed to provide ‘advanced’ control of a
‘variety’ of manned and unmanned applications. Artificial intelligence-based
electronic/mechanical failure prediction. Real-time decision-making support.
Data transfer between systems.

 Russia

 URAN-6. It is a multi-functional, mine-clearing robotic system.

Developed by JSC 766 UPTK in 2016. It uses data processing and tool
technologies of AI. It is designed for mine reconnaissance and area clearance
operations to detect and remove explosive ordnance and mines. It is equipped
with five different mine sweeping devices to detect and detonate land mines. It
is controlled by a single operator using a remote-control system from a safe
distance of 1km who gets feed from four video cameras, fitted atop the robot,
which provide operator with 360° field-of-view. It has a mine-clearing speed of
2km/hr and is able to operate continuously for up to five hours. It can
overcome 1.2m-high obstacles and cross 1.5m-wide trenches and can climb
max 20° slope.

 URAN-9. It is multipurpose unmanned ground combat vehicle,

developed by Russian military equipment manufacturer JSC 766 UPTK in
2016. It uses all three technologies of AI. It is designed to provide remote
reconnaissance and fire support to infantry during counter-terrorism in urban
environments. It has four 9M120-1 Ataka anti-tank guided missile launchers,
two on each side, to defeat armored targets with a range of 0.4km to 6km, and
is capable of penetrating explosive reactive armor (ERA). It equipped with one
 stabilized 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon for air defence. Six 93mm-calibre
rocket-propelled Shmel-M reactive flamethrowers, three on each side of the
turret with a maximum firing range of 1km. It can be operated in either
autonomous or manual mode (in manual mode it is operated by a controller in
a truck-based CP from a safe distance of 3km). It has a max speed of 35
kmph on rd and 25 kmph cross-country.

 Platform-M. It is a robotic platform, developed by the Progress

Scientific Technical Institute, Russia. It uses all three technologies of AI. Its
role is to provide intelligence, detection and elimination of moving and static
targets, fire support and security to special forces. It is armed with grenade
launchers and Kalashnikov rifles. It can be remotely controlled by a controller
from a safe distance. It is equipped with camera, which gives 360-degree feed
to the controller.

 France

 Hercules Exoskeleton. It is developed by French company, R3BD

in 2016. It uses data processing and tool technologies of AI. It increases
payload carrying capacity of soldiers and reduce their fatigue during ops. It is
a wearable machine, powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics,
levers, hydraulics, or a combination. It allows for limb movement with
increased strength and endurance. Soldiers can carry up to 100kg for 12 miles
seamlessly. Soldier feels 1/ 10th the wt carried.

Applicability of Advanced Robotics in the military forces.

 Recce, surveillance and intelligence.

 The automation of the process of int collection and collation will help
enhance the speed with which our cdr’s are able to assess the tactical picture
and give quick decisions to the troops on ground. This will not only reduce the
chaos caused due to the fog of war but will also give our forces an inherent
advantage over the adversary. As discussed, initially remotely operated
sensors with various capb ranging from motion sensing to visual tgt iden and
tracking may be dply which send their results in real time to an expert system,
which based on its various rules draws out the correct inferences and
provides a collated output to the decision making authority enabling them to
plan suitable responses and pass on the orders to the tactical forces op on
ground. Eventually, the expert system in consideration may also be further
improved upon to even suggest suitable responses to the deciding authority
thereby assisting in decision making.
 To further enhance the capabilities of the system, the use of swarm
technology may be considered. Here, instead of using independent sensors
which fwd their data to the expert system, we may have a swarm of such
sensors which can collaborate amongst themselves in order to cover a
particular target in a more efficient manner. These will be able to keep a tgt
under observation for prolonged periods of time and over huge areas of
coverage.

 Few Examples.
 MIDARS, a four-wheeled robot outfitted with several cameras, radar,
and possibly a firearm, that automatically performs random or pre-
programmed patrols around a military base or other government
installation. It alerts a human overseer when it detects movement in
unauthorized areas, or other programmed conditions. The operator can
then instruct the robot to ignore the event, or take over remote control to
deal with an intruder, or to get better camera views of an emergency. The
robot would also regularly scan radio frequency identification tags (RFID)
placed on stored inventory as it passed and report any missing items.

 MINIATURE UGV (MINI UGV). It is an AI based robots developed by

CAIR for Svl & Recce. Mini UGV is a tracked robot, remotely controlled and
unmanned grnd veh. It is man portable and is used for surveillance and
reconnaissance in low intensity conflict ops / urban scenario.

Figure: Mini UGV

 DRDO Rustom. Rustom or TAPAS-BH-201 is a medium-altitude

long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed to carry out
surveillance and reconnaissance roles for the Indian Armed Forces. It is a
combat capable Drone.
 Figure: Rustom II

 Global Hawk. The Global Hawk (US army) is a high altitude and
range unmanned aerial vehicle which provides near real-time
reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence information for the
commanders and it has the ability to move over a large geographical area
and detect patrols moving target and designate target.

Figure: Global Hawk

 Simulation and Training.

 The use of AI and Robotics to develop both generalized and mission

specific training simulators will pave the way for creation of a skilled force with
domain expertise. Such simulators while training the manpower will be able to
closely depict the true nature of operational scenarios and would provide the
trainees with a hands-on experience of operations which they may face during
the course of their service. The Army will continue to be deployed for fighting
in sub-conventional operations in the foreseeable future. Therefore, desired
 capacities need to be built in the recruitment system, training philosophy and
methodology.

 The most cost-effective methodology for training is simulated training.

This creates a realistic environment to generate near-real responses to
various contingencies as well as handling of complex weapon systems,
without the need to go outdoors and use operational equipment. It also saves
transportation costs and ammunition. The sustained training and a better
grasp of next-generation equipment with new technologies may be ensured.
Modern methods of training need to be introduced with enhanced use of
simulators.

 Example: ALPHA was initially developed by Psibernetix as a training

aid for the U.S. Air Force. The AI program has been re-commissioned into a
friendly co-pilot system to help human pilots using the simulator. The use of AI
will help improve reaction and decision-making time to implement more
effective military actions.

 Force Multipliers on Battlefield.

 The rapid advances in the field of AI and Robotics world over have
today made it possible for us to imagine this technology being used on the
battle field to fight in conjunction with human soldiers, if not replace them
altogether.
The next step in this direction would be dply of intelligent robots which
exhibit some level of autonomy, in terms of not being required to be guided
continuously by a human operator. These machines would require to be
programmed initially before being sent for a mission. The program would act
as a framework for the machine to start interacting with its environment and
collect precepts, process them and then act in accordance with the
framework designed for it. Such machines would not require to be
programmed explicitly; however, they would only act according to their code
and not be able to learn anything on their own.

 Fighting Tps. Fighting troops are the on-ground force exposed to

the harsh operating environment, repetitive as well as long working hours
and dangerous missions that take a heavy toll on their psychological and
physical health. Incorporating AI by replacing the combat troops with
augmented humans and robots will fetch advantages in terms of efficiency
with minimal causalities. The point of psychological stress due to battle field
environment and challenges posed by both weather and the enemy cannot
be ruled out.

 Infantry. The replacement of human with augmented

humans by incorporating AI will cause maximum benefits in terms of
efficiency, speedy progress of ops and swift decision-making capability.
These machines would require to be programmed initially before being
sent for a mission. The program would act as a framework for the
machine to start interacting with its environment and collect precepts,
process them and then act in accordance with the framework designed
for it. Such machines would not require to be programmed explicitly,
however they would only act according to their code and not be able to
learn anything on their own. These machines would work on the
principle of bounded rationality i.e. they may not be omniscient
however they would possess knowledge which is mission specific.
Such machines would have rule-based logic which would allow them to
take rational decisions in time of need. These rules however would
have to be deliberated upon as they would guide the machine to take
correct decisions whenever required.
.
 Autonomous Rotorcraft Sniper System. It is an
experimental robotic weapons system being developed by the
U.S. Army since 2005. It consists of a remotely operated sniper
rifle attached to an unmanned autonomous helicopter. It is
intended for use in urban combat or for several other missions
requiring snipers. It mounts a powerful rifle onto highly stabilized
turret, and fixes the package on board a Vigilante unmanned
helicopter.

Figure: Autonomous Rotorcraft Sniper System

 REDCAR Scout. Redcar Scout is a mobile unmanned

ground system consisting of an engaging platform used to
support and augment security force personnel in the
 perimeter defences of forward deployed units. Travel at high
speeds (up to 40 mph) over rough terrain and through
heavily wooded jungles.

Figure: Redcar Scouts

 Gladiator. The Gladiator Tactical Unmanned Ground
Vehicle (TUGV) will provide the Marine Air-Ground Task
Force (MAGTF) with a tele-operated/semiautonomous
unmanned ground vehicle. Gladiator provides with remote,
unmanned scout, reconnaissance and surveillance while the
operator remains concealed at a distance. It supports
dismounted marines in the missions that include direct fire,
scouting, day/night reconnaissance, remote surveillance &
target acquisition (RSTA), detection of nuclear, biological, &
chemical agents and obstacle breaching. It runs at 10 miles
per hour and can be mounted with machine guns and
grenade launchers.
 Figure: Gladiator
 The MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System) is
an armed tracked robot and with its modular design allows
the controller to outfit it with variety of armaments, ranging
from lasers to tear gas. The system can be employed in the
western front.

Figure: MAARS
 Artillery. With the advancements in the technological
changes, the pin point location data with respect to enemy is required
and can only be provided with the help of AI.

 Dragon Fire II. Artillery has seen promising research with

an experimental weapons system named "Dragon Fire II"
which automates loading and ballistics calculations required
for accurate predicted fire, providing a 12-second response
time to fire support requests. However, military weapons are
prevented from being fully autonomous; they require human
input at certain intervention points to ensure that targets are
not within restricted fire areas as defined by Geneva
Conventions for the laws of war.
 It is a fully automated mortar capable of using rifled or
smoothbore 120 mm ammunition. Like all mortars, it is a
high-angle-of-fire weapon used for indirect fire support.
Dragon Fire is also expected to be effective in a counter-
battery role.
 Figure: Dragon Fire II

 Armoured. The present technological advancement in terms

on TIFCS (Night Fighting Capability) fitted in tanks of Indian Army not
only suffices the purpose of winning the battle, but if clubbed with the
AI will definitely be a battle winning factor.

 Crusher. Crusher is a 13,200-pound (6,000 kg) autonomous

off-road Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle developed by
researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University's National
Robotics Engineering Center for DARPA. The Crusher could
be used for a number of missions considered highly
dangerous for soldiers, such as fire support, reconnaissance,
or medevac; as a supply mule; or as a sentry.

Figure: Crusher Autonomous Veh

 Engineers.

 Daksh. The Daksh is an electric powered remote-

controlled vehicle. Its primary function is to secure, localize dangerous
objects (e.g. car bombs, lonely suspicious packages), and make easier the
handling and destruction of these dangerous objects.
 Figure: Daksh
 Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment vehicle (MULE) An
autonomous UGV (AGV) is essentially an autonomous robot that operates
without the need for a human controller on the basis of artificial
intelligence technologies. The vehicle uses its sensors to develop some
limited understanding of the environment, which is then used by control
algorithms to determine the next action to take in the context of a human
provided mission goal. This fully eliminates the need for any human to watch
over the menial tasks that the AGV is completing.

Figure: ANS
 XM1218 Countermine. The Countermine MULE Vehicle (MULE-
CM) (XM1218) would provide the capability to detect, mark, and neutralize
anti-tank mines. The vehicle would be equipped with an integrated mine
detection mission equipment package from the Ground Standoff Mine
Detection System (GSTAMIDS).

 Logistics.
 No force can fight a sustained battle without its op logistics in place.
The supply chains and the ‘Lines of Comn’ need to be planned meticulously in
order to support a force in fighting a successful battle. The AI based
autonomous vehicles which are capable of negotiating pre-defined routes and
carrying hy loads into the battle field may be utilized for these purposes.
These vehicles can be further improved upon by integrating them with
Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This will allow them to move on a
pre-defined route, with all the relevant info such as the kind of terrain, gradient
of the path etc. available through the GIS platform. These vehicles can further
be automated by incorporation of concepts of AI such as ‘Game Theory’ which
will allow them to choose the most desired route out of the many options
available.

 Medical. The Indian Armed Forces need to have a digital source

of the health statistics of its personnel containing information such as past
medical conditions and specific vulnerabilities. A robust data-protection
mechanism with AI should be in force for guarding such sensitive data. Also,
utilization of semi-autonomous surgical robots in various military hospitals
with further enhance the efficiency and reduce the workload of the mil
doctors. Da Vinci robots (from Intuitive Surgical) are the pioneers. The cost of
the robot is high, purely because they have invested a lot of money in
research. And because there aren’t many major competitors right now, they
won’t compromise on the cost.

Figure: Da Vinci surgical Robot

 TAGS: Tactical Amphibious Ground System.

 Being developed by: Remotec, Applied Perception Inc., TAGS

Systems, Autonomous Solutions Inc, AEA Technology Engineering
Services, Tags Used to support carrier for evacuating and extracting
casualties.
  Larger robotic evacuation vehicle (REV) transports one or two
smaller robotic extraction vehicles (REX) in marsupial fashion to a
position somewhere in-between safety and front-line action.

 REV stays back and helps remotely guide and track REX which
rolls solo into battle and helps recover and safely transport back to
REV one wounded soldier

 REX's primary role is to aid medic with its patient localization

and basic stretcher transport capabilities.

 While REX embarks on another guided extraction and/or

reconnaissance mission, REV transports the wounded soldier(s) via its
onboard life support litters to a field hospital, and returns to the
collection-and dispatch point to create a closed-loop cycle for safe,
efficient robotic patient recovery.

Figure: REX Embarking into REV

 Ordnance. Data Analytics has immense utility in the Ordnance Corps
where having an integrated, real-time picture of active equipment- /vehicle-
holdings at all levels is required. Additionally, RFID-tagging of imported
vehicles and equipment at the point of offloading will give information
regarding its location when the need arises. Using Big Data Analytics, the
security forces can carry out ‘sentiment analysis’ on social media platforms to
study the probability of mass mobilisation of people during volatile security
situations. In addition, such sentiment analysis could give useful insight for
psychological operations in the cyber-space, if the security apparatus of the
country so desires to do.

 EME. With the presence of AI and robots in defence and further

specific to Corps of EME, useful reliability information about the health state of
eqpt can be provided both to the user and the workshops. The system will be
autonomy and will facilitate the user in efficient decision making in forwarding
the eqpt for the next level of repairs. A portion of the gen troubleshooting may
be automatically performed by AI model which saves efforts and will
overcome issues of misdiagnosis. A major advantage in terms of predicting
the estimated life of the eqpt will help in further planning for procurement in a
larger scale. The AI can also be useful in iden of the bottlenecks for
necessary deployments of recovery resources.

Figure: Utilization of bots in construction and repair of vehs

 ASC. Adm is the backbone of any military org. In the disturbed and
inhabitable trns, it becomes difficult to supply rations, stores and other
essential aminities to the fwd dply tps. Also, cases of the vehs, men getting
ambushed or under shelling are the normal things. Utilizing AI and robots to
construct some unmanned systems capable of reaching out to the tps in fwd
posns with minimal cas is the need.

 Big Dog. The quadruped robot called “Big Dog” looks like a mule. It
is developed to provide logistical units where the conventional transport
vehicles are not able to operate. The hydraulically operated legs are
articulated as other animal’s legs that contain damping elements which
absorb the energy of the blows from steps and it recycles them in the
next step. The maximum speed is 6.4 km/h and it is able to overcome
on a 35-degree slope. The robot is able to go through snow, water, and
rocky terrain. Even in rocky terrain it is able to climb muddy natural
paths and deliver a maximum 150 kg of additional weight.
 Figure : Big Dog

 DOD robotic vehicles: R-Gator. R-Gator is a robotic veh intended to

serve as scout, perimeter guard, and pack mule. At flip of switch, it can
be driven manually, teleoperated, or fully autonomously. The veh can
autonomously shuttle between rear supply points and forward
operating positions, using either down-loaded GPS waypoints or
waypoints collected dynamically during operations.

Figure: R-Gator

 Comn on the Battlefield.

 Comn enables a huge volume of force to fight as a single body and

acts as the nervous system of this body. It allows the various components of a
force to coordinate amongst each other and makes it possible to undertake
complex tactical maneuvers with perfect synergy. The current comn setup
needs to be modified in order to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.
In order to do so we must look into technologies which allow us to dominate
the Electro Magnetic (EM) spectrum right from the High Frequency (HF) range
which is of the order of a few Mega Hertz (MHz) up to the optical range of
frequencies, having an order of magnitude in Tera Hertz (THz). The
domination of this spectrum will be only possible if we build up an eqpt profile
which is intelligent in itself to adapt to the dynamic conditions of the envt.
Although, technologies such Software Defined Radios (SDR) and Cognitive
Radio (CR) are beginning to be introduced in the Indian Army, their
widespread use is yet to be seen.

 The networks which will be reqd to support the future comn reqmts of
the army would not only have to provision high bandwidth, but will also have
to support Quality of Service in order to intelligently prioritize the data traffic in
case the need be. There is an emergent reqmt to look in the concepts of ‘Ad-
hoc Networks’ which suite the dynamic reqmts of the battle field. These ad-
hoc networks and the terminal eqpt used for these should be supported with
built in intelligence which would allow them to function as simple plug and play
devices, thus avoiding complex configurations in the thick of the war. Further,
talking about the ad-hoc networks we will need to go in for better routing
algorithms as the one’s which are in vogue today will not be able to efficiently
function in an ad-hoc scenario due to a high amount of overheads inherent
with them. There is a reqmt for looking for out of the box solutions and
research in the field of AI based routing protocols such as ‘Ant colony
optimization’ (ACO) algorithms in order to efficiently route our data through
these ever changing and dynamic ad-hoc networks. The solutions available in
‘Swarm Theory’ need to be explored in order to develop customized and tailor
made solutions for the reqmts of the Armed Forces.

 Cognitive Radio. A radio system employing technology that allows

the system to obtain knowledge of its operational and geographical
environment, established policies and its internal state; to dynamically and
autonomously adjust its operational parameters and protocols according to its
obtained knowledge in order to achieve predefined objectives; and to learn
from the results obtained.

Figure: Cognitive Radio Network

  War-Gaming.
 There is a requirement to pursue the idea of war-gaming and
simulations with due seriousness they deserve. Manual war-gaming although
may have been the traditional method since ages, might no longer serve its
true purpose. The battle field today is full of uncertainties owing to various
new concepts like proxy war and asymmetric warfare coming into play.
Today’s wars are fought on ideology and have outgrown the conventional
warfare seen traditionally. There are no ‘sides’ or no identifiable enemies. The
conventional tactics which was being used in traditional war-fighting no longer
is relevant to the modern battle field. Due to this enhanced level of complexity
it is not humanly possible to take into account all the unknowns of the modern
battle field. Thus, there is an emergent requirement to automate this process
of war-gaming. Artificial Intelligence can play a major role in achieving it.

 The concept of self-learning systems whether guided or unguided is

suitable to be used in such conditions. The systems based on classifiers like
the Artificial Neural Networks, Fuzzy inference systems and Bayesian
classifiers which can simulate the complexity of a human brain need to be put
on the job for simulating the modern battle field as accurately as possible to
train our cadres and try out new tactics and strategy. The same will help the
Indian Army to be better prepared to face the threats of the 21st century and
beyond. Computerised war-games are an excellent means to simulate as-
close-as-possible scenarios and conditions of war through a system of
capability ratios, multiplication factors, movement tables, random numbers
and so on. State-of-the-art computing requires that simulators be large
dedicated systems residing in specialised facilities. But advances in computer
technology have made it possible to deliver some of the experiences to the
desktops as well. There are stringent controls on military IT systems which
have to be taken care of.

Op Scenarios

 India being a geographically diverse country, the Indian Army needs to be

prepared for fighting a conventional battle in a wide variety of terrains ranging
from sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes of Siachen to vast and sandy
deserts. The use of AI in such a context will not only make the job easier for us
but will also help in keeping the wide frontages of the nation under check. The AI
technology may be put to use under the following different scenarios:

 Defensive Ops. In defensive layouts of the various units/ subunits

this technology may be incorporated in terms of remotely controlled weapons
which can target and fire on the commands of their human operators. Such
weapons will enable the soldiers to bring down effective fire on the enemy
without themselves coming under fire. This concept may then be taken a step
further, where the weapons may be provided with intelligence of iden friend or
foe and to fire automatically in case an en movement is detected. Such
weapons may be mounted with powerful day as well as ni cameras to ensure
 correct tgt detection. These weapons will not only help in fighting the
manpower shortage in the army, as now a soldier will not be reqd to operate
each weapon thereby increasing the op effectiveness of our forces, but will
also act as a deterrent for the en.

 Offensive Ops. During offensive ops the AI technology may be

used for transportation of troops to FUP/ staging Areas using un-manned
vehicles. These vehicles will be capable of figuring out the best possible
routes for transportation of troops keeping in view the tactical scenario.
Machines for carrying explosives for direct assault on the en bunkers thereby
protecting our troops from being exposed to life threatening situations can be
dply in offensive ops.

 Cas Evac. Automated vehicles may even be dply for the purposes
of cas evac during operational scenarios further reducing the reqmt of
manpower utilized for these tasks. Further, timely evac of injured soldiers will
lead to saving of more lives on the battle field and reducing rates of cas.

 LC Envt. One of the major challenges faced by the Indian Army

today is manning of the LC and preventing any attempts to infiltrate it. A large
chunk of our forces gets engaged in this task. Further, it is not possible for a
human being to be alert for a continuously long duration due to the
monotonous nature of the task. Thus there is a need to automate this task of
vigilance along the LC in order to do it more efficiently without using a large
size of force. The entire LC can be kept under constant vigilance using a
connected grid of various sensors controlled by AI software. The software can
be taught using various classifiers such as Neural Networks, Bayesian
classifiers and fuzzy logic to interpret data coming from the sensors and iden
any attempt to infiltrate the LC fence. On detection of the same, the software
can be programmed to pass this info laterally to all the relevant authorities in
order to prevent such an occurrence. Further, automated weapons as
discussed in the previous paras may also be dply thereby giving the system a
capability to orchestrate a suitable response as well.

Civil-Military Fusion In Indian Army.

 CRON Systems.

 Gurugram-based CRON Systems is developing IoT-based products to

help the armed forces deploy border security solutions. CRON Systems
initially began focusing on building laser walls for the Border Security Force
(BSF). But it eventually expanded its products and services to include
automation for drones, rovers, and a central dashboard to control the
applications through the encrypted communication system miCRON.
  According to reports, CRON System’s core product, the Kavach
security system, includes a series of fence posts deployed at the borders. The
posts operate on wireless networks and use multi-data beams, which are
invisible to the naked eye. In case of any intrusion, the posts alarm the
security personnel through sound and pass the information to the central
control unit for the armed forces to take action.

 Asteria Aerospace.

 Bangalore-based Asteria Aerospace is a robotics and artificial

intelligence start-up, which provides drone-based solutions to the military,
paramilitary, and police forces for security and surveillance purposes.

 Asteria Aerospace’s product line currently includes three drones. Its

CYGNUS drone is a mini fixed-wing drone known for its endurance, range,
and payload capabilities, and is used for ground-up surveillance and security
operations. Asteria’s second product, DGCA certified A200, is a micro sized
drone deployed for enterprise operations. Thirdly, the A400 is a mini drone
whose vertical take-off and landing allows quick deployment and surveillance
from confined locations.

 Asteria’s GenesisTM is a secured network platform, which allows its

clients to manage the fleet of drones deployed for surveillance purposes.
Designed to be hosted on cloud or on-premise, the networks provide the
users access to real time data and video recorded by the drones.

 Optimized Electrotech.

 Ahmedabad-based Optimized Electrotech is an electro-optic startup

that provides security and surveillance solutions.

 The start-up provides electro-optics system, which can be used for the
surveillance of smart cities, satellite-based imaging, border surveillance,
medical imaging, access control, machine vision, automotive (Advanced
driver-assistance systems, i.e., ADAS) and consumer electronics.

 Their products have been found useful for the CISF for guarding
strategic assets; it is also useful for the BSF, ITBP, AR, and Coast Guard to
keep a watch on trespassing at borders; for CRPF, all central and state police
forces for better law implementation within cities; and finally to it is useful for
the Army, IAF, and Navy for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance).

 Vinveli.

 Iowa and Chennai-based Vinveli focuses on providing solutions to the

aerospace and robotics industry. The start-up is involved in building
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for both commercial and defence purposes.
  Vinveli, which counts the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home
Affairs as its clients, deploys its drones for riot control and combat operations.
It also deploys them for commercial use in agricultural and wind farms.

 According to reports, Vinveli’s Made-in-India drone, named Vero, is

designed to carry two 38 mm grenades, which can be fired mid-air. It has
been equipped with two cameras, which enables the drone operator to
monitor the surrounding and also locate potential targets.

Figure: Vinveli Drone

 Big Bang Boom Solutions.

 Chennai-based defence tech start-up Big Bang Boom Solutions

(BBBS) is involved in developing integrated intellectual properties for defence
purposes. Some of the products developed by the start-up include: T-Series
Unmanned Tank Development, BN (boron nitrate) based Hybrid Personal
Combat Armour, 360 Advance Battle Interface, Flying Warden-drones for riot
control, and smart fencing system, among others.