Mini drones could be the new 'spies in the sky' taking over the surveillance work from soldiers in the most life-threatening situations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.
In a move to bring the latest AI technology to the frontline, the British Army will deploy around 200 mini drones 'smaller than a human hand' in the battlefield.
The MOD is investing £66million ($87m) in robotic systems to take over some of the work currently done by officers, and remove them from dangerous environments.
Robotic combat vehicles and tanks will also be used in war zones such as in the delivery of supplies so that soldiers can focus on combat roles.
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A selection of mini drones UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), used by the UK armed forces which includes the black hornet (pictured - bottom). The Defence Secretary said that some of the robotic kit 'is already set to deploy to Estonia, Afghanistan and Iraq by the end of the year'
In a move to bring the latest 'cutting-edge' AI technology to the frontline, the British Army will deploy around 200 mini drones 'smaller than a human hand' in the battlefield
Robotic combat vehicles such as mini tanks will also be used in war zones such as in the delivery of supplies so that soldiers can concentrate on combat
Investment into robotic systems technology include around mini drones that will cost the MOD around £31million ($41m).
The drones, which include Black hornets, weigh less than 200g and can carry out surveillance over a wide geographical area.
During his speech at the Autonomous Warrior Exploitation Conference in London Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
'From the platoon up to the division, our troops will now have a priceless eye-in-the-sky, giving them the greater situational awareness they need to out-manoeuvre and out-fox our adversaries,' he added.
A further £23million ($30m) will be spent on unmanned ground and airborne vehicles that can resupply troops on the frontline, cutting risk and allowing personnel to 'focus on combat roles'.
The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson also revealed that another £12 million will be spent on systems that can be added to existing armoured vehicles, allowing them to be operated and controlled remotely
Mr Williamson also revealed that another £12 million will be spent on systems that can be added to existing armoured vehicles, allowing them to be operated and controlled remotely.
These will be pushed ahead of manned vehicles and used to test the strength of enemy defences, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Mr Williamson told the Press Association that the new technologies will make sure the Army has the very best and the ability to use its full force.
He said
