British Army chiefs sniffing out enemies with ‘attacking’ AI-powered robodogs

Robodogs are being used by British Army chiefs to help sniff out enemies.

The artificial intelligence-powered pooches can detect bombs, attack targets or become agitated and run away.

Troops are being trained using the virtual reality system which involves an angry mob in a Wiltshire village throwing rocks and petrol bombs towards soldiers during a riot.

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Military canines are then unleashed to bite the yobs and force them to the ground so they can be arrested. Defence tech firm Elbit, which is behind the training, said: “AI dogs don’t always respond how you want them to, which is what happens in a normal environment.

“The simulation can replicate any scenario they [the dogs] could come up against.” It is part of the army’s drive to try new tech to to keep up with rival nations.

The virtual reality military dogs also react to the changing weather. In scorching conditions, the mutts become more tired and need to rest in a nearby shelter. In bone-chilling temperatures, they may need a jacket to stay warm.

The virtual simulation system, which can be used anywhere, was tested by soldiers in the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment last month for public order training.

An army source said the move allowed handlers to carry out training in a virtual environment to rehearse tactics and decision-making under pressure. The insider added it is used along with real-life training but did not replace it.

The army has more than 150 real pooches with labradors and spaniels used in search roles. German shepherds and Belgian malinois are used in patrols.

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