A cluster of tiny, low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles collaborates to collect intelligence at low altitudes.
In one of the greatest displays of autonomous artificially intelligent technology, the U.S. Department Of Defense released a video that demonstrates its latest Perdix drones as they flew in unison in China Lake, California.
According to DoD, the test -- which were originally conducted in October 2016 -- comprised of 103 Perdix drones launched onboard a trio of the department's F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircrafts.
The swam-like autonomous system was first created in 2013 by engineering students from the AeroAstro Department attached to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In the same year, engineers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory made the drones suitable for military combat.
“This is the kind of cutting-edge innovation that will keep us a step ahead of our adversaries. This demonstration will advance our development of autonomous systems,” said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.
Given its sheer size, controlling each drone by a single individual is impossible. The system, therefore, relies on commands which the fleet of drones can jointly perform. The system also autonomously relays information, so if a drone falls down it is replaced by another. The drone weighs about a third of a kilogram and measures about a 30-centimetre. The micro-drones can also exhibit collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing.
Despite the impressive demonstration, the system is currently being further enhanced by DoD with joint efforts from the Strategic Capabilities Office and the Naval Air Systems Command.
“Due to the complex nature of combat, Perdix are not pre-programmed synchronized individuals, they are a collective organism, sharing one distributed brain for decision-making and adapting to each other like swarms in nature,” said William Roper, the U.S. SCO Director. “Because every Perdix communicates and collaborates with every other Perdix, the swarm has no leader and can gracefully adapt to drones entering or exiting the team.”
DoD is looking to partner with companies to mass produce the drones: about 1000 at a time. The Perdix drones can be used for a multitude of purposes including reconnaissance and combat mission. Its is no doubt that such an autonomous system will change military warfare.
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 "Perdix Drones, US Department of Defense, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, Autonomous Technology, AI")
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