• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Congress races to research AI-enhanced drones to maintain national security edge over China
Economy

Congress races to research AI-enhanced drones to maintain national security edge over China

by June 2, 2023
by June 2, 2023 0 comment
Share
1
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

Legislation moving through the House would provide millions of dollars for research on how to incorporate artificial intelligence into drone technology in an effort to keep the U.S. ahead of China in this increasingly important component of national security.

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology last week approved legislation from committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., that he says needs to pass before China becomes locked in as the world’s major supplier of drones. His bill, the National Drone and Advanced Air Mobility Research and Development Act, would fund about $1.6 billion in research over the next five years to give a boost to U.S.-based drone manufacturers.

‘To say China has cornered this market is an understatement,’ Lucas said last week. ‘One single company with extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army produces 80% of the drones used recreationally in the U.S.’

Lucas added that 90% of local and regional public safety agencies in the U.S. are using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) made in China, which could pose a threat down the line because they have the capability of tracking user data.

The bill gives NASA, the Department of Homeland Security and several scientific agencies the authority to provide new grant funding for drone and advanced air mobility research. It also directs these agencies to fund research into how AI and machine learning can boost drone capabilities.

Dr. Jamey Jacob is the executive director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education and director of the Counter-UAS Center of Excellence at Oklahoma State University. He told Fox News Digital this week that the U.S. and China are in a fierce competition when it comes to drone technology.

‘It’s a fairly robust competition right now,’ he said. ‘I still think that we’re solidly ahead on AI development in terms of the algorithms. In terms of inexpensive consumer-level drone technology, that’s where they’ve been able to take the lead.’

He added that while the U.S. has the edge on higher-end UAS technology, ‘China is really hot on our heels.’

AI capability is something that is already present in current drones made by both the U.S. and China but is something that both countries are likely to ramp up. Jacob said today’s drones with AI components are already capable of receiving visual input and using that input to prevent collisions with trees or other obstacles.

More powerful AI is expected to allow drones to navigate through hostile environments, including zones that don’t allow for GPS navigation.

‘It’s really working on an active threat environment where you might have GPS denied, GPS spoofing or jamming going on, where the enemy is trying to make your drone think it’s somewhere where it’s really not, and the AI being able to take all this information in and figure out what’s good and what’s not,’ he said.

So far, the Pentagon has said it wants to make sure that AI is used to help people make better military decisions. But Jacob said the possibility of using AI to give drones the capability to make decisions on when to deploy a weapon is already being talked about.

‘We know it’s going to be possible, and it’s going to happen,’ he said. ‘We are going to have the drones and the AI-driven autopilot systems be able to make those decisions more quickly than a human can.’

Last week, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology approved Lucas’s bill in a 36-0 vote, a sign that both Republicans and Democrats strongly support the idea of ramping up research into drones and advanced air mobility and that his bill could get a vote on the floor later this year.

Pete Kasperowicz is a politics editor at Fox News Digital.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Supreme Court to hear arguments in Trump presidential immunity case on April 25
  • Biden administration pushes back on GOP effort to end vaccine requirement for international air travelers
  • Cuban-American lawmakers defend Monroe Doctrine amid progressive push to end 200-year-old policy
  • Stormy alleges one-night stand with Trump, agreed to lie for her $130,000 payoff
Share
1
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Trump mocks Chris Christie’s expected 2024 campaign launch: ‘He’s polling at zero’
next post
‘Should be concerned’: Congress opens up on new threats posed to US labor market

You may also like

Biden administration pushes back on GOP effort to end vaccine...

February 8, 2023

Israeli officials to investigate digging noises near West Bank as...

December 31, 2023

Alaska lawmakers pass spending package, ending special session in one...

May 20, 2023

America First Policy Institute rolls out abortion, life agenda to...

April 12, 2024

Key Freedom Caucus member predicts House GOP will fall short...

December 3, 2023

The dollar index is in a good position to remain...

October 14, 2024

Trump blasts Biden administration’s ‘two-tiered justice system,’ asks why Biden...

January 20, 2023

Conservative lawmakers wary over slowdown in government funding fight: ‘We...

November 30, 2023

Back on the trail: Top Biden surrogate Newsom now campaigning...

September 10, 2024

‘Squad’ member Rep. Tlaib calls for Netanyahu’s arrest; GOP senators...

May 8, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • How to Find Compelling Charts in Every Sector

      July 10, 2025
    • White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters renovation

      July 10, 2025
    • Italian chocolate giant Ferrero to buy Kellogg’s Froot Loops maker

      July 10, 2025
    • OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome

      July 10, 2025
    • Sports executive charged with bid-rigging in Texas arena project

      July 10, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 3,631 views
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,919 views
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,607 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,577 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,451 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,171)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,662)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • How to Find Compelling Charts in Every Sector

      July 10, 2025
    • White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters...

      July 10, 2025
    • Italian chocolate giant Ferrero to buy Kellogg’s Froot Loops maker

      July 10, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,171)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,662)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    ‘Nail in the coffin’: Grocer turned...

    August 24, 2024

    George Santos’ former staffer accuses congressman...

    February 6, 2023

    DeSantis opens up about leaked debate...

    August 20, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here