China tests driverless tanks that could be powered by artificial intelligence

South China Morning Post / Global Times ^ | Wednesday, 21 March, 2018 | Ma Jun and Shi Liufeng

[texas booster]

From Global Times (the official China newspaper:

China's Type 59 is based on the Soviet T-54A tank, which was shipped to China in the 1950s. It can be armed with a 100mm or 105mm cannon and requires a crew of four to operate it, Sputnik News reported on Sunday.

Unmanned tanks are part of the concept of "contactless combat" aided with aggressive intelligent weapons.

In future, unmanned tanks will be able to work on other unmanned platforms, and also integrate information sourced from surveillance satellites, airplanes or submarines.

They will also be capable of continuous combat with greater speed and higher lethality, Liu said. However, Liu added that the unmanned Type 59 based tanks are still in their test phase.

Although the CCTV footage shows the country has managed to operate tanks using remote control, there are still many technical problems that need to be resolved before they can achieve the same combat capabilities as manned tanks.

[texas booster]

Using our money to build up a large military.

If not used today, it will be iteratively improved until quality matches quantity.

Then the war begins.

[blueplum]

I wonder how an AI tank would have responded at Tiananmen Square?

[Celerity]

They don”t have to program them to avoid people.

[Telepathic Intruder]

It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop... ever, until you are dead!

[ProtectOurFreedom]

It’s safe to say you can program the exact opposite of Uber vehicles.

[Dan Cooper]

I expect they will still need to be refueled from time to time.

[Spktyr]

No crew means it can be powered by nuclear RTGs or other options. Might be a while before you have to refuel them.

[RightGeek]

[texas booster]

Maybe try the same with M60s and a nuclear fuel cell?

The the war becomes even more of a logistical war, hunting reloaders and refuellers.

[Lean-Right]

EMP...bye bye tank...

[ProudGOP]

Chinese do not care about losing soldiers in a war. They have lots of them

[faithhopecharity]

Any resemblance to some eschatological wars is purely coincidental, or not? But they sure look like a great solution to dealing with the commute traffic. ! Where can I get one?

[Lean-Right]

I know this. My dad fought in the
forgotten war. Stories of bodies
piled up for protection.

[cranked]

Attempting to catch up with the US.....RIPSAW.

[Seraphicaviary]

Steve Jackson Games should sue. If the Chinese make them big enough, they will be Ogres. Just cover them with biphase carbide armor...

[roadcat]

Then the war begins.

Where would they use them? The USA excels at delivering weapons around the world. Same can't be said of China, at least not yet. China could perhaps move them into Korea, India, maybe to Taiwan or Japan. Well, Japan would repel any delivery. I don't think we need to worry about China using tanks against us on our shores.

[bagster]

Hahaha. Nice.

[UCANSEE2]

No crew means it can be powered by nuclear RTGs or other options. Might be a while before you have to refuel them.

Wouldn't expended ammo and need to resupply be a larger concern ?

[ArcadeQuarters]

BS! You’re using an aimbot!