AI 'surpasses' humans in the race to fly high-speed aircraft

Recently, an autopilot AI let three world-class champion pilots take turns 'inhaling smoke' at a high-speed drone race. This AI designed by researchers from the University of Zurich and Intel is called Swift.

To complete the race requires a lot of skill, precision, the ability to control speed, calculate quickly and react to situations quickly. Those who have ever played or experienced races from a first-person perspective (the driver's perspective) will understand this.

Scientists have equipped Swift with a camera system with the same viewing angle as real pilots so that they can easily see their way around and through the gates. In addition, this AI system also uses real-time acceleration, speed and orientation data.

This AI drone learned and memorized the seven-gate racetrack in a virtual environment. It takes an hour to explore the track environment and find the optimal, most efficient way to pass. This process is equivalent to nearly a month of practicing drones in real life.

Swift quickly learned sophisticated tactics and skillful flying techniques to defeat two world champions, one of whom was a three-time national drone champion in Switzerland. In addition, this AI also set a record for the fastest speed to complete the race.

Swift made a strong impression at the 25 x 25 meter (82 x 82-ft) track built in a hangar at the airport near Zurich. Even its fastest lap was half a second faster than the human record.

Micah Soto

Update 16 October 2023