The deployment of Forterra's autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) in Ukraine marks a significant milestone in the use of Edge AI technology in combat zones. According to TechCrunch, more than 100 of Forterra's Lancer vehicles have been deployed in conflict zones in Ukraine for the past nine months, with the company believing this is the largest deployment of autonomous ground vehicles in combat by any US defense tech company.

The use of AGVs in Ukraine is part of a growing effort to transform the US military through its support of Ukrainian resistance to Russian invaders. The dynamics created by aerial drones have led Ukrainian strategists to seek ground-based autonomy as well, with Sergeant Major Corey Wilkens explaining that 'there's nowhere to hide' and that soldiers become vulnerable to attack from above.

Forterra's Lancer vehicles are gas-powered and can carry 750 kilograms of cargo, making them more versatile and useful than battery-powered UGVs. However, the company has learned some useful lessons about electronic warfare, updating their software from afar, and maneuvering in challenging conditions. Despite these advancements, the vehicles are still not yet ready for autonomous operation in combat zones.

The deployment of AGVs in Ukraine highlights the challenges and limitations of Edge AI technology in real-world applications. According to Scott Sanders, Forterra's chief growth officer, 'there's a lot of things you have to do that aren't available in an open source model' when it comes to developing autonomous systems. The company is working on combining algorithms from self-driving cars with newer generative AI software to improve the vehicles' ability to react to their surroundings.

The use of AGVs in Ukraine also raises questions about the future of Edge AI technology and its potential applications in various industries. As companies like Scout AI, Field AI, and Overland AI continue to develop autonomous platforms for the military, it's clear that ground autonomy is achievable now and will become increasingly important in the coming years.

The cost and value proposition of AGVs are also becoming increasingly important considerations. According to a Ukrainian soldier who has worked with Forterra's vehicles, 'attrition is just a fact of this battlefield' and that the company needs to make its vehicles cheaper if they want to be deployed more widely.

Source & References