Concern "Kalashnikov" creates combat robots. Gunsmiths prepare for future war
The engineers of the Kalashnikov concern (part of Rostec) have developed an automated combat module that is able to independently recognize targets and make decisions. According to Sofia Ivanova, the director of communications of the concern, neural network technologies were used in the automated combat module. This module can be equipped with a heavy machine gun "Kord", a PC machine gun or two grenade launchers. The general public, the new Russian weapon will be demonstrated at the Army-2017 forum.
Software built on neural network technologies opens up new possibilities. Today, a neural network is called a rapidly learning system, which is able to function not only in accordance with the algorithm originally specified, but also on the basis of experience gained earlier. It is worth noting that earlier the Kalashnikov concern already showed the combat module with remote control, one of the functions of which was to spy on the target indicated by the device operator. But in this case, the final decision on the use of weapons was a man.
Modern neural networks partly copy the processes that occur in the human nervous system, they can be built in a similar way as the human brain. That is, a large number of processes interconnected perform some common tasks. Therefore, if you look closely at the possibilities of neural network technologies, you might get the impression that the Kalashnikov concern creates a cyborg — you just need to give a different look to its shell, attach caterpillars or mechanical legs, so that it becomes a character known to us from numerous fantastic action movies. Today, neural networks already allow you to recognize different images and human speech. This means that, in theory, it will be possible to introduce “own” language and “alien” into the program, which will help to recognize the enemy. Also, combat modules will be able to visually distinguish the military uniform of the enemy from the shape of their troops. But most importantly, neural networks can, based on previous experience, make predictions. A distinctive feature of neural networks is that they are not programmed, but they are trained.
According to military experts, the Ministry of Defense of Russia is placing great hopes on remote control modules today. The new instance of the combat module, presented by the Kalashnikov concern, is another step in the development of artificial intelligence. However, there are two problems here that have not yet been completely resolved. First, for remote control modules, high-speed, safe and very reliable communication channels are necessary. Secondly, providing such modules with the possibility of independent decision-making is a great risk for a person. 100% should be confident that the decision made by the automated combat module will be correct. Even a well-trained and trained person makes mistakes, so it is easy to imagine what a flurry of criticism can befall the developers in the event of an accident with their brainchild.
That is why, at the first stage, new remotely controlled combat modules will be adopted by the Russian army. In parallel with this, testing of modules with neural network technologies will continue in field conditions. However, up to the moment when such a combat module can be released “in the field” to work in fully autonomous mode, it may take many more years.
In the near future, the Izhevsk arms concern is preparing to present a line of products built on the basis of neural networks in an exhibition format. A fully automated combat module, built with this technology in mind, will be shown at the Army-2017 forum, which will be held in the Moscow region at the base of the Patriot Park Convention and Exhibition Center from 22 to 27 in August.
The described combat module is not the only development of the Kalashnikov concern in this area. The company is actively working on the creation of robotic equipment. In particular, within the framework of the famous rock festival "Invasion", which was traditionally held in the Tver region (held from July 7 to 9, 2017), the combat robot "Companion" was presented for the first time, the press service of the Kalashnikov concern reports. According to Sofia Ivanova, Communications Director of the concern, the latest developments of the enterprise arouse genuine interest among the audience. For this reason, the concern decided not to limit itself to a souvenir shop and a shooting range, but also to show the guests and participants of the main Russian rock festival a real combat Robot.
Developed in Izhevsk, the combat robot “Companion” with a mass of 7 tons is intended for reconnaissance, protection and patrolling of the territory of important objects, barrage and demining. An armored tracked vehicle is also able to be used as a fire support vehicle for the troops, vehicles for bringing fuel and lubricants and ammunition, evacuating the wounded and injured, and guarding the guard.
The control system and the combat module of the “Companion” robot are designed for the use of various modern replaceable weapons. It can be an automatic grenade launcher, large-caliber machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles "Kornet". The combat module of the robot is equipped with a gyroscopic weapon stabilization system, and the control system is able to independently detect, identify, accompany, and hit found targets. The robot is able to work in the passive mode up to 10 days, and also to detect targets at a distance of up to 2500 meters. In addition to autonomous work, this combat robot can also be controlled remotely via a secure radio channel. In this case, the combat radius of the robot reaches 10 kilometers. This robot is able to reach speeds of up to 40 km / h and has a cruising range of 400 kilometers. In case of remote control, the control panel “Companions” can be placed in any technology, and also specialists of “Kalashnikov” created a special small-sized full-featured wearable control panel of this combat robot.
“On the basis of the conducted research, we see that there is a change in the very concept of combat operations with an increasing level of automation of systems and a decrease in human presence on the battlefield. Under these conditions, we are moving away from the profile of an exclusively rifle company to a diversified holding, ”said Alexey Krivoruchko, general director of the Kalashnikov concern. - Today we are actively developing competencies in the field of creating unmanned ground and aircraft complexes, conducting research and development in the field of creating unmanned boats, based on the shipbuilding assets of our concern. Our ultimate goal is to integrate them into complex combat systems, parts of which will be able to interact with each other and with the headquarters. ” The first companion robotized system of the Kalashnikov concern was the “Companion” robot, which was first presented to the public in the framework of the Army-2016 forum.
Information sources:
https://utro.ru/articles/2017/07/06/1332821.shtml
https://rg.ru/2017/07/07/reg-cfo/na-nashestvii-vystupit-boevoj-robot.html
http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4388769
https://kalashnikov.com
Software built on neural network technologies opens up new possibilities. Today, a neural network is called a rapidly learning system, which is able to function not only in accordance with the algorithm originally specified, but also on the basis of experience gained earlier. It is worth noting that earlier the Kalashnikov concern already showed the combat module with remote control, one of the functions of which was to spy on the target indicated by the device operator. But in this case, the final decision on the use of weapons was a man.
Modern neural networks partly copy the processes that occur in the human nervous system, they can be built in a similar way as the human brain. That is, a large number of processes interconnected perform some common tasks. Therefore, if you look closely at the possibilities of neural network technologies, you might get the impression that the Kalashnikov concern creates a cyborg — you just need to give a different look to its shell, attach caterpillars or mechanical legs, so that it becomes a character known to us from numerous fantastic action movies. Today, neural networks already allow you to recognize different images and human speech. This means that, in theory, it will be possible to introduce “own” language and “alien” into the program, which will help to recognize the enemy. Also, combat modules will be able to visually distinguish the military uniform of the enemy from the shape of their troops. But most importantly, neural networks can, based on previous experience, make predictions. A distinctive feature of neural networks is that they are not programmed, but they are trained.
According to military experts, the Ministry of Defense of Russia is placing great hopes on remote control modules today. The new instance of the combat module, presented by the Kalashnikov concern, is another step in the development of artificial intelligence. However, there are two problems here that have not yet been completely resolved. First, for remote control modules, high-speed, safe and very reliable communication channels are necessary. Secondly, providing such modules with the possibility of independent decision-making is a great risk for a person. 100% should be confident that the decision made by the automated combat module will be correct. Even a well-trained and trained person makes mistakes, so it is easy to imagine what a flurry of criticism can befall the developers in the event of an accident with their brainchild.
That is why, at the first stage, new remotely controlled combat modules will be adopted by the Russian army. In parallel with this, testing of modules with neural network technologies will continue in field conditions. However, up to the moment when such a combat module can be released “in the field” to work in fully autonomous mode, it may take many more years.
In the near future, the Izhevsk arms concern is preparing to present a line of products built on the basis of neural networks in an exhibition format. A fully automated combat module, built with this technology in mind, will be shown at the Army-2017 forum, which will be held in the Moscow region at the base of the Patriot Park Convention and Exhibition Center from 22 to 27 in August.
The described combat module is not the only development of the Kalashnikov concern in this area. The company is actively working on the creation of robotic equipment. In particular, within the framework of the famous rock festival "Invasion", which was traditionally held in the Tver region (held from July 7 to 9, 2017), the combat robot "Companion" was presented for the first time, the press service of the Kalashnikov concern reports. According to Sofia Ivanova, Communications Director of the concern, the latest developments of the enterprise arouse genuine interest among the audience. For this reason, the concern decided not to limit itself to a souvenir shop and a shooting range, but also to show the guests and participants of the main Russian rock festival a real combat Robot.
Developed in Izhevsk, the combat robot “Companion” with a mass of 7 tons is intended for reconnaissance, protection and patrolling of the territory of important objects, barrage and demining. An armored tracked vehicle is also able to be used as a fire support vehicle for the troops, vehicles for bringing fuel and lubricants and ammunition, evacuating the wounded and injured, and guarding the guard.
The control system and the combat module of the “Companion” robot are designed for the use of various modern replaceable weapons. It can be an automatic grenade launcher, large-caliber machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles "Kornet". The combat module of the robot is equipped with a gyroscopic weapon stabilization system, and the control system is able to independently detect, identify, accompany, and hit found targets. The robot is able to work in the passive mode up to 10 days, and also to detect targets at a distance of up to 2500 meters. In addition to autonomous work, this combat robot can also be controlled remotely via a secure radio channel. In this case, the combat radius of the robot reaches 10 kilometers. This robot is able to reach speeds of up to 40 km / h and has a cruising range of 400 kilometers. In case of remote control, the control panel “Companions” can be placed in any technology, and also specialists of “Kalashnikov” created a special small-sized full-featured wearable control panel of this combat robot.
“On the basis of the conducted research, we see that there is a change in the very concept of combat operations with an increasing level of automation of systems and a decrease in human presence on the battlefield. Under these conditions, we are moving away from the profile of an exclusively rifle company to a diversified holding, ”said Alexey Krivoruchko, general director of the Kalashnikov concern. - Today we are actively developing competencies in the field of creating unmanned ground and aircraft complexes, conducting research and development in the field of creating unmanned boats, based on the shipbuilding assets of our concern. Our ultimate goal is to integrate them into complex combat systems, parts of which will be able to interact with each other and with the headquarters. ” The first companion robotized system of the Kalashnikov concern was the “Companion” robot, which was first presented to the public in the framework of the Army-2016 forum.
Information sources:
https://utro.ru/articles/2017/07/06/1332821.shtml
https://rg.ru/2017/07/07/reg-cfo/na-nashestvii-vystupit-boevoj-robot.html
http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4388769
https://kalashnikov.com
Information