China creates world’s first AI commander, to command large-scale computer war games to train for war

Representative Image. Credit: Pexels

A significant development has emerged from Chinese laboratories: the creation of an AI commander. Despite stringent regulations that prevent AI from assuming control of military forces, this innovation marks a notable advancement in China’s military technology.

Developed at the Joint Operations College of the National Defence University in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, this "virtual commander" is designed to be as human-like as possible. According to the South China Morning Post, this AI doesn't just mimic human experience and thought patterns; it also replicates personality traits and even human flaws. But for now, it's strictly confined to the lab.

During large-scale computer war games involving all branches of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the AI commander takes on the role of a supreme commander. This means it has the authority to make major decisions in these digital battles, learning and adapting quickly to the ever-changing scenarios it faces.

In China, a fundamental rule dictates that "The Party commands the gun," meaning only the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China can direct the PLA's actions. While AI technology is advancing and autonomous units like drones are gaining more operational freedom, ultimate command authority still rests with humans.

One of the PLA's ongoing challenges is the limited number of senior commanders available to participate in war simulations. These simulations require quick decision-making in response to unexpected events, a task that experienced human commanders usually handle. However, their limited availability makes it difficult for them to be involved in numerous simulations.

Researchers have pointed out that the current joint operations simulation system isn't very effective due to the lack of command entities at the joint battle level. This is where the AI commander comes in. It can take over when human commanders are unavailable, participating in large-scale virtual battles and exercises.

In the lab, the AI commander operates independently, making decisions without human input. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on analysis, this AI uses empirical knowledge. It remembers similar past scenarios and quickly devises effective plans based on that memory. To simulate human forgetfulness, scientists have limited its memory capacity, meaning some older information gets purged when new data comes in.

The AI commander enables the PLA to conduct many "human-out-of-the-loop" war simulations. It identifies emerging threats, creates strategies, and makes optimal decisions based on the current situation. This autonomous operation is highly efficient and allows for repeated experimentation.

Moreover, the AI continuously learns from both its successes and failures, ensuring it remains effective and up-to-date with the latest tactical knowledge.

The development of the AI commander is a significant milestone, showcasing China's commitment to integrating advanced AI into its military.

While the AI is currently limited to lab simulations, its potential applications in real-world scenarios could revolutionize military operations. As AI technology continues to evolve, finding the right balance between human and AI command will be a critical area of focus for future research and policy development.