In a move to secure Indian borders and stop jeopardising the lives of the army and the border security force (BSF), scientists from Bharat Electronics Limited’s (BEL) Central Research Laboratory (CRL) are working on a “first responder robot”. Reportedly, the first prototype for the same will be ready by December 2019.

Speaking exclusively to a noted Indian daily, Gowthama MV, the CMD at BEL, revealed that the scientists, who have been working on the project since December 2018, have now started putting together preliminary requirements for design and implementation for the same. He also added that they have already conducted training programmes to build competency in artificial intelligence.

“AI will change how some critical operations are conducted by the armed forces, and our robot will even be able to patrol the borders,” Gowthama said.

He further added, “Future wars will not be fought conventionally… AI-enabled products will aid decision-making. Robots can save lives of soldiers deployed for border surveillance. The Centre [CRL] is making efforts to ensure that martyr families are provided compensation of not less than ₹1 crore. AI-enabled robots can also help in saving precious lives.”

As of now Israel already has one of the most advanced machines for border security. Named Guardium, this machine is an armed robot that has patrolled the Gaza border.

Guardium has the ability to autonomously travel at up to 48 miles per hour to intercept intruders on a fence and border perimeter before security personnel can arrive and increases protection without requiring a massive deployment of resources. It was developed from the key requirement to have an unmanned system that could adapt to specific tasks and circumstances, such as the protection of military bases, airports and power plants, or more generalised threat monitoring in specific areas.