Scientists at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru are reportedly developing all-terrain robots that will eventually patrol India’s borders.
Enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the ‘first responder’ robots can make decisions in warzones and replace deployment of soldiers for border surveillance. The BEL robots will be equipped with sensors and programmed to communicate with the control centre, besides being able to work in post-disaster situations. The estimated cost would be Rs 70-80 lakh per unit.
BEL CMD Gowthama MV told TOI,
“AI will change how some critical operations are conducted by the armed forces, and our robot will even been able to patrol the borders.”
He added,
“Future wars will not be fought on conventional basis…AI-enabled products will aid decision-making. Robots can save lives of soldiers deployed for border surveillance. The Centre is making efforts to ensure that martyr families are provided a compensation of not less than Rs 1 crore. AI-enabled robots can also help in saving precious lives.”
The first prototypes will be ready by the end of the year and can be put to user trials by 2020.
Such tactical AI robots are in use in several countries including Israel, Iran and the US.
