Vertical Bar Media | Tech News

The Rise Of Autonomous Weapons In Ukraine's Battlefield   In a field on the outskirts of Kyiv, Vyriy, a Ukrainian drone company, is pioneering a new era in warfare. Their autonomous drones, which can independently track and target individuals, exemplify the rapid advancement in weaponized consumer technology. Oleksii Babenko, Vyriy’s CEO, recently showcased this by riding a motorcycle while an AI-guided drone pursued him, demonstrating the potential lethal efficiency of these devices. Transforming Consumer Technology into Deadly Weapons Ukraine has become a hub for autonomous drones and other weaponry, driven by the pressures of the ongoing war with Russia. Ukrainian entrepreneurs and engineers, fueled by substantial investments, donations, and government contracts, are at the forefront of this technological leap. They are developing tools that increasingly marginalize human judgment in targeting and firing decisions. The convergence of off-the-shelf devices, easy-to-design softwar...

New Rival To DJI?   Skydio, the US-based autonomous drone manufacturer, has recently announced the establishment of a National Security Advisory Board. This development aims to enhance its strategic capabilities in delivering advanced drone solutions to the Department of Defense and allied military forces. The timing of this announcement is particularly notable, coinciding with the potential ban on Chinese drone maker DJI in the US due to rising data security concerns. Key Members of Skydio’s National Security Advisory Board The advisory board comprises a distinguished group of national security experts, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to Skydio’s mission. The board includes: General (US Army Ret.) Austin ‘Scott’ Miller: A highly respected combat leader with nearly 40 years of military service. General Miller commanded the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and led US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. He is also recognized for his role in integrating women in...