The Godfather of AI: Autonomous weapons simplify warfare by turning soldiers into "dead robots"

Jeffrey Hinton warns that deadly autonomous weapons and AI make it easier to start wars by reducing casualties among soldiers.

Jeffrey Hinton, the acknowledged godfather of artificial intelligence, noted that the development of lethal autonomous weapons greatly simplifies the conduct of military operations. According to him, the use of killer robots is radically changing military ethics and practices, turning soldiers into "dead robots" instead of the traditional "body bags."

AI has already significantly transformed the battlefield with the help of smart drones and other autonomous systems. Although the use of AI can reduce human losses, it is this factor that causes concern for Hinton, since facilitating the conduct of war increases the risk of its outbreak.

According to Hinton, the introduction of autonomous systems will be an unexpected opportunity for weapons manufacturers. States may experience fewer moral and political obstacles to the use of force, which may lead to an increase in the number of conflicts and a change in global security.

The Pentagon uses the border with Mexico as a testing ground for new surveillance technologies

Deployment of surveillance systems by August 2025

By mid-August 2025, the Pentagon has completed the large-scale deployment of advanced surveillance systems along the border between the United States and Mexico. This major technological upgrade includes the integration of optical towers, seismic and acoustic sensors, as well as wearable digital devices for border guards. The goal is to increase the effectiveness of detecting and responding to illegal border crossings in real time.

The initiative demonstrates how internal security tasks are increasingly becoming a platform for testing defense technologies being developed for use in combat.

New generation technologies: from towers to augmented reality

Highly sensitive optical towers with 360-degree viewing capabilities, thermal and infrared vision, as well as automatic recognition systems for moving objects have already been installed at the border. They are complemented by a network of sensors capable of detecting vibrations from footsteps, vehicles, and even armored vehicles.

Special attention is paid to augmented reality (AR) systems, which are integrated into glasses and tablets of the border guard service. These devices overlay digital data — the location of targets, terrain, patrol routes — directly into the operator's field of view, which significantly speeds up decision-making.

The border as a testing ground for military innovations

Analysts note that the southern border of the United States is increasingly being used as a real testing ground for technologies that may be used in combat zones in the future. The conditions — rugged terrain, extreme weather events, and high staff workload — are ideal for testing the reliability and effectiveness of new systems.

In addition, deployment takes place in near-operational conditions: there are real threats, mobile targets, and the need for rapid response. This allows the Pentagon to collect valuable data on hardware and software performance in real-world scenarios.

Statistical significance for the modernization of the army

The project is important not only for border security, but also for the overall modernization of the US Army. Technologies developed at the border can be adapted for use in military bases, conflict zones, and territorial control operations.

The integration of wearable digital systems and AR solutions, in particular, fits into a broader strategy for creating a "connected fighter of the future" - a soldier connected to a single network infrastructure and equipped with enhanced perception and analysis capabilities.

The US Army launches a new program of robotic combat vehicles: accessibility and innovation

The US Army is making a new attempt to introduce robotic combat vehicles (RCVS) to the market, but this time with an emphasis on accessibility. In a new request for information on unmanned ground-based commercial robotic vehicles, the service said it was eyeing platforms costing less than $650,000. This is a significant change in approach aimed at reducing costs and increasing the availability of advanced technologies for military needs.

New cost and functionality requirements

After two unsuccessful attempts to adopt combat robotic vehicles, the US Army decided to reconsider its requirements. A new notice to the industry indicates a desire to limit the cost of each unit to $650,000. This solution should encourage developers to offer more affordable and competitive solutions, which in turn can lead to innovations in the field of robotic systems.

Previous attempts and lessons

The US Army has previously attempted to introduce robotic combat vehicles, but they have not been successful. High costs and limited functionality were the main reasons for failures. This time, taking into account previous experience, the army is striving to create more flexible and accessible platforms that could be easily adapted to various military tasks.

Prospects and advantages of the new program

The new initiative opens up broad prospects for developers and manufacturers of robotic systems. Reducing cost constraints can attract more companies to participate in the program, which in turn promotes a competitive environment and innovation. For the army, this means access to more modern and effective technologies that can significantly increase combat readiness and efficiency.

Impact on the defense technology market

The introduction of new cost requirements for robotic combat vehicles may significantly affect the defense technology market. Companies developing and manufacturing such systems will be forced to rethink their strategies and find ways to reduce costs without compromising quality and functionality. This can lead to new partnerships and cooperation between companies, which ultimately will have a positive impact on the development of the industry.

A new Ukrainian kamikaze drone with mines instead of wheels impresses with an innovative solution

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have presented fresh photos of a new land-based kamikaze drone, which stands out for its unusual design and creative use of Soviet TM-62 anti-tank mines. This drone combines several functions in one at once — it uses mines both as propellers and as a warhead, which makes it unique against the background of existing developments.

The main feature of the device is that instead of standard wheels, TM—62 anti-tank mines are installed on the drone, which simultaneously serve as both a propulsion component and a warhead. This unconventional idea allows you to achieve a double effect: the drone not only moves around the battlefield, but can also explode at the right moment, causing damage to the enemy.

From the front, the drone is equipped with a pair of motor wheels borrowed from an electric bike. These motor wheels provide the main drive and transmit the movement to the mine "hoops". Steering seems to be missing: the rear wheel is fixed in a fixed position with two springs that allow it to be held straight and ensure stable movement in a straight line.

Tactical advantages

- Simplicity and cost-effectiveness: The use of outdated mines and spare parts from electric bicycles simplifies production and reduces production costs.

 Surprise and effectiveness: Such a drone can creep up to enemy vehicles or manpower unnoticed and explode, causing significant damage.

- Mobility: Despite the lack of steering, the drone is able to move efficiently in a straight trajectory, which is suitable for some tactical scenarios.

Possible limitations

- The lack of steering limits maneuverability and requires precise pre-positioning before launch.

- Using a mine as the main propulsion can affect the stability of movement and limit speed.

- The features of the application make it vulnerable to active countermeasures, such as radio suppression or small arms fire.

The Ukrainian land-based kamikaze drone with TM-62 mines is another example of engineering creativity and adaptation of available resources to effectively counter the enemy. Its non-standard design and technical solutions make it interesting to study and, possibly, further improve.

Why DARPA considers stealth technology obsolete in future wars

According to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the era of stealth technology dominance is coming to an end. As stated by DARPA Deputy Director Rob McHenry at the Mitchell Institute webinar on June 25, 2025, the rapid development of quantum sensors and other technologies is radically changing the landscape of military confrontation.

The key reasons for the obsolescence of stealth technologies

1. Breakthrough in sensor technology 

   Quantum sensors are capable of detecting the slightest gravitational anomalies from hidden objects, magnetic field distortions, and micro-vibrations that remain invisible to traditional radars. This makes even the most advanced stealth systems vulnerable.

2. Changing priorities in the development of weapons 

   DARPA is focusing on new features such as high speed (including hypersonic systems), active defense (electronic warfare, laser interception systems), and maneuverability using artificial intelligence to evade threats.

3. Economic inefficiency 

   The cost of developing and maintaining stealth capabilities is becoming disproportionately high against the background of the availability of modern sensor technologies for a wide range of countries.

 Future alternatives to stealth technologies

Instead of traditional stealth, the future belongs to quantum radars that can detect almost any hidden object, hypersonic missiles that shorten the enemy's reaction time, and laser systems for intercepting missiles and drones. In addition, swarm drones capable of carrying out massive and intelligent attacks are actively developing. These technologies provide more flexible and effective ways of conducting combat operations than passive evasion.

Although DARPA predicts a decrease in the importance of stealth technologies, their complete disappearance is unlikely in the next 15-20 years. Next-generation projects such as the B-21 Raider and NGAD continue to combine stealth with other advanced technologies. However, the focus is shifting to multispectral camouflage, dynamic adaptation to real-time threats, and electronic warfare as the main form of protection.

As Rob McHenry noted, "The future will be determined not by stealth, but by the ability to detect faster, hit more accurately, and defend more effectively." This position reflects a fundamental shift in military strategy — from passive avoidance to active dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace.