Unlike regular unmanned aircraft created by attaching automatic flight control devices to manned aircraft, the new robot can fly a plane without any modification process. The robot can monitor the environment both inside and outside the aircraft using a camera. Its arms and hands can be controlled even inside the aircraft with excessive vibration.
A research team led by Shim Hyun-chul, an electrical engineering professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) developed the robot called "Pibot," KAIST said on July 19. The institute said Shim's research team showcased the solution carrying out all flight controlling processes including take-off and landing through a flight simulator. After verifying its performance with an actual lightweight aircraft, the institute aims to commercialize Pibot by 2026.
According to KAIST researcher Min Sung-jae, Pibot can understand flight manuals written in English and Korean. The institute said ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot service that engages with users in a natural conversation, was adopted for the robot.
Pibot can also be used to control helicopters and tanks. "Because Pibot can also operate cars, tanks, and armored vehicles, it can be very useful in the present situation where military resources are severely depleted," Shim said in a statement.
