The US Army is working towards creating a "Phantom Menace", an army that isn't manned by humans. This includes robots that can do tasks that humans are unable to. These systems can be integrated with other troops, protecting them from harm and keeping them out of harm's path.
Robotic systems are also able to serve as force multipliers on future battlefields. They can provide sensors that are positioned in new positions and can present commanders with new data. They can also remove landmines in war-torn regions. However, there are still many things to do before they are ready for the Army.
The Army currently has three major programs to evaluate military robots. One of these is the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, which replaces the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Another is the Tracked Robot 10 Ton (or TRX). It uses technologies from the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport program.
The two-armed robot could also be considered. This would allow it to fire non-lethal rubber rounds or a powerful "elephant kill" bullet.
One of the more promising projects involves the use of artificial intelligence. A robot can be trained to perform tasks by viewing video streams, and then interacting with a human instructor. The robot may then be able complete the task by itself.
Although robotics are becoming more realistic, it is important to remember that they cannot replace human soldiers in combat situations. In fact, AI-based robots are still learning tactics, whereas human arms have seven degrees of freedom.
The Army created an artificial intelligence platform to train the robots. To train robots to do the same tasks as humans, machine learning algorithms are used. But the AI can't do that if there isn't enough training data. The system may rely on human demonstrations to make up the difference if it doesn't have enough training data.
The robots' ability and willingness to adapt to their surroundings is another important aspect of the artificial Intelligence System. Robots can use a variety sensor types to adapt to changing conditions, including heat and chemical sensors. For example, if a chemical contaminant or heat source is detected, the robot will be able to adjust its own behavior to avoid a collision.
Other than artificial intelligence, the Army will rely on other systems to allow the robots to operate safely and effectively. These systems will include a standard operations order, or SOA, which will give humans a set of guidelines to follow when making decisions. Humans will be able to interpret and define the information that they receive through the SOA. When a human is trying to find a particular object, they can say "Turn left" and "Turnright".
The artificial intelligence system trains robots to be more willing to follow instructions and learn specific tasks. The system will determine whether the robot is too close or far away from the target to prevent a collision.