Shield AI, Taiwan's NCSIST team up on AI drones

Taipei, Feb. 12 (CNA) American defense company Shield AI announced Wednesday (U.S. time) that it has signed a contract with Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to advance the development of AI-piloted unmanned systems capable of continuing operations in compromised communications environments.

"Through this partnership with NCSIST, we are helping enable the drone forces Taiwan is building with cutting-edge AI pilots that will allow drones to team and operate while GPS and communications are jammed," Shield AI President Brandon Tseng said in a news release.

As part of the collaboration, Shield AI's Hivemind autonomous software platform will be integrated into NCSIST's unmanned systems.

The company said the cooperation will cover both software development and operational deployment.

According to the company, Hivemind enables drones to independently perceive their surroundings, make decisions and carry out missions.

Unlike conventional autopilot systems that follow preset flight paths, the AI software can adjust routes, avoid obstacles, respond to unexpected developments and complete missions without direct human control.

The company said that the platform combines simulation-based training tools, AI development capabilities and onboard edge computing to maintain performance in complex or contested environments where GPS and communications may be degraded or denied.

Ensuring drones can continue operating under GPS jamming has become a key priority for militaries worldwide, as unmanned systems play an increasingly central role in modern warfare.

Under the agreement, NCSIST will use Hivemind to speed up the creation of domestically developed AI pilots designed for autonomous missions and coordinated multi-system operations.

The capability would allow a single operator to manage multiple unmanned platforms from one ground control station, helping address manpower constraints, Shield AI said.

The company last year announced a teaming agreement with Taiwan's state-backed Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and opened a new office at Taipei 101.