▲ R2-D2, the compact robot from the movie Star Wars (File Photo)
An artificial intelligence system that helps pilots, much like the compact robot R2-D2 from the movie Star Wars, has been deployed in actual flights by the U.S. Air Force.
According to U.S. internet media outlet Axios on the 27th (local time), a portable pilot assistant system named "Murdock," developed by California startup Beacon AI, is currently being tested on three types of U.S. Air Force aerial refueling and transport aircraft.
Murdock analyzes data collected from various electronic equipment on the aircraft to provide necessary information to the pilots.
It guides checklist procedures during ground movement and takeoff, and checks mission readiness such as flight planning and crew fatigue levels.
Murdock can be used by loading it onto aircraft in a portable case, eliminating the need to modify existing flight systems.
Matt Cox, co-founder of Beacon AI, compared Murdock to Tesla's autonomous driving assistance system, Autopilot, describing it as "an R2-D2 for pilots."
In the movie Star Wars, R2-D2 is an AI robot that assists the protagonists in operating their spacecraft.
However, Murdock does not directly control the aircraft's core flight systems, but focuses instead on assisting the pilots' judgment.
The tests deploying Murdock in actual flights were conducted under a contract with the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command, and the U.S. Special Operations Command has also signed a contract with Beacon AI.
Moving forward, Beacon AI plans to additionally integrate Murdock onto one large aircraft and one small aircraft.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is also included on the list of Beacon AI's early investors.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.