Ai-powered drones can operate independently in disconnected environments

A Swedish startup, Scaleout Systems, has developed AI models that enable drones to autonomously identify and strike targets without continuous connectivity to central servers. The company, founded in 2018 by researchers from Uppsala University, shifted its focus to defense after the 2022 outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Scaleout’s lightweight AI models run directly on drones and edge hardware, allowing for real-time processing of battlefield data. Andreas Hellander, CEO of Scaleout, emphasized the importance of decentralized AI for maintaining operational advantages in contested environments. The system allows drones to operate independently, even if communication with central servers is disrupted, and can update models locally before syncing with central nodes once connectivity is restored. Scaleout is also involved in the ALMA project, which aims to develop low-cost autonomous drones equipped with AI for combat scenarios. The technology has already been demonstrated in Sweden and is being tested by the Swedish military.