AI-Powered Drones with Facial Recognition Reportedly Developed by the US Air Force

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 27 February 2023, 12:02 am

The United States Air Force reportedly developed a new facial recognition technology to apply to its AI-powered drones, one that could go on a mission to correctly determine targets from up above. Additionally, it may help in the progression of search and rescue in the country, as well as securing the perimeter where these drones would see deployment.

The latest technology enters the age of development where it may soon be deployed with little to no human assistance or intervention, especially in the ranks of the Air Force.

US Air Force Develops AI-Powered Facial Recognition Tech for Drones

(Photo : NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images)

The US Air Force's previous contract with RealNetworks, a Seattle-based tech firm, now reportedly develops a way for drones to be fully autonomous, together with facial recognition technology. This contract awarded in 2021 by the Department of Defense paved the way for an $800,000 budget to develop facial recognition for its future operations.

Its latest development was applied to AI-powered drones that will get the facial recognition tech to complete the ensemble, for different operations and monitoring of the USAF.

According to the New Scientists' report, the contract and development are already done, but it is now met with concerns regarding the individuals that may be targeted and/or killed in the process.

AI-Powered Drones to Go on Autonomous Operations?

One of the goals of this project is to employ a fleet of drones that would go on autonomous operations in different settings and locations to do the bidding of the US military.

The Air Force may soon deploy these to go on their own, without any human supervision, to help improve security and peace, but is something that they need to monitor to avoid any wrong actions or events.

AI and Facial Recognition Technology

AI and facial recognition technology is not yet at their pinnacle in the present technological developments, and are still under improvements from different companies. However, it is reaching a point where the tech from many manufacturers is reaching significant advancements for use, those that are similar to what is mostly seen in movies or fictional productions.

Drones play a massive role in the world of autonomy, especially as most of them are compact and may reach different heights or locations that are not accessible to people or vehicles.

They also prove to be a key factor or element in defense, especially as these drones may be equipped with delivering rounds, charges, or bombs to effectively neutralize targets.

In terms of facial recognition technology, there are also significant concerns regarding its deployment now, as some of it fails to identify the right person, and ends up arresting the wrong person for it.

The development of the Air Force to center on this AI-powered drone with facial recognition technology is massive, but it needs to be fully accurate to correctly identify its targets to avoid future problems for it.