Skynet has arrived: Russian military firm produces AI technology that enables robots to make decisions without human intervention, just like Terminator's killer machines

  • Russian company claims to have produced groundbreaking AI software
  • Software, called Unicum AI, 'could be installed on any robotic system'
  • Claims it makes robots capable of making decisions on their own accord

A Russian weapons manufacturer claims to have invented artificially intelligent robot tanks capable of cognitive thinking.

The company says their new software is 'capable of undertaking decisions and carrying them out without any human intervention,' Russian media reports.

The company has demonstrated the software in a video showing robot tanks seemingly acting and carrying out an 'attack' on their own accord. 

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Skynet is here: Russian tanks fitted with a new AI software making them capable of cognitive thinking

Skynet is here: Russian tanks fitted with a new AI software making them capable of cognitive thinking

It sees two tanks moving on a training ground, one of which successfully fires and destroys a car placed on the 'battlefield', 

The software, called Unicum AI, 'could be installed on any robotic system, no matter where it is used: on the ground, in the air or out at sea. It has the ability to act independently or in groups,' state-funded RT.com claims.

'With Unicum, the robots will be capable of executing tasks independently, to see and evaluate the situation, plotting new courses as well as communicating with other machines,' United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (OPK) Deputy Director Sergey Skokov told RT. 

Boom: According to Russian media, the new software is making robots 'capable of undertaking decisions and carrying them out without any human intervention'

Boom: According to Russian media, the new software is making robots 'capable of undertaking decisions and carrying them out without any human intervention'

They'll be back: The company has demonstrated the software in a video showing robot tanks seemingly acting and carrying out an 'attack' on their own accord

They'll be back: The company has demonstrated the software in a video showing robot tanks seemingly acting and carrying out an 'attack' on their own accord

'In fact, this is yet another step to the creation of fully-fledged artificial intelligence, enabling mechanisms with nearly human capabilities,' he added.

According to RT and OPK, the Unicum AI software can control up to ten robots at any one time, and independently organises the ' task force'.

Without human intervention, the Unicum AI controls communication between the robots, elects a commanding robot for the 'task force', and assigns each robot with a mission.

Unicum AI is capable of locating a target on the battlefield, and eliminating it after being given confirmation from a control room which is operated by humans.  

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