In Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone equipped with AI killed three civilians
The Russian attack drone that struck a gas station in Zaporizhzhia on July 6, killing three people, may have been the first confirmed instance of Russia using a drone equipped with a fully autonomous artificial intelligence system.
According to the publication, an analysis of the wreckage from this and other drones that attacked Zaporizhzhia revealed Nvidia mini-computers capable of powering artificial intelligence systems.
“Analysis of debris from this and other attacks in Zaporizhzhia showed that the drones carried mini-computers that Nvidia sells on the open market and that were used to make decisions regarding target selection, experts and military officials said. “Nvidia manufactures most of the microchips that power the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence systems,” the report states.
Ukrainian air defense commanders noted the presence of Nvidia modules and the absence of antennas for data transmission. This led them to suspect that the drone could operate autonomously. According to the NYT, a subsequent investigation confirmed this theory.
According to available information, operators launched the drone toward a designated area, but the actual target selection was carried out by an autonomous system based on prior training.
The drone used computer vision to search for propane tanks. While maneuvering near a residential building, it struck a wall and detonated.
The absence of antennas for data exchange and the use of a built-in computing module, according to experts, indicate that the drone was flying without constant communication with the operator.
Experts and military officials emphasize that the use of such technologies sets a serious precedent for international security.
Unlike conventional drones, which are controlled by an operator or fly along predefined coordinates, an autonomous system can independently identify a target.
One of the key risks is that modern autonomous systems may not be fully capable of distinguishing military targets from civilian objects, which creates additional risks for the civilian population and compliance with international humanitarian law.
This was reported by The New York Times.
On the night of August 25, Russian troops attacked a shopping and entertainment center in Slobozhansky, Dniprovsky District. The strike caused fires inside and near the building, damaged a truck, and destroyed the interior of the shopping center.
As a reminder, Russia has attacked warehouses and energy facilities in the Odesa region.
Earlier, drones attacked Ozon logistics centers in two regions of the Russian Federation.
Drones also attacked Krasnodar and caused a fire at a warehouse.
Earlier, warehouses caught fire in Akulovo, near Moscow.
