This week, Germany revealed that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to train weaponry in a metaverse battleground. Called GhostPlay, the virtual battle world uses an advanced AI engine that allows for unpredictability and autonomy, like how humans would react in real world fights. The specific algorithms of the engine are called “third-wave.”
The German Defence Ministry is funding the project with a $540 million subsidy package initially meant to combat COVID-19. It comes in partnership with a few stakeholders, including 21strategies, sensor specialist Hensoldt, the Bundeswehr University Hamburg, and Borchert Consulting and Research, which is based in Switzerland.
One concrete example of how the Germany military, known as Bundeswher, is training weaponry using GhostPlay is the anti-aircraft gun known as the German Gepard. Through simulations with the AI engine, the German Gepard has shown increased target hit rates and better survival ability.
The weapons are being used in IRL conflicts as well. The German government has sent 46 Gepards to Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia. In particular, the Gepards are now adept at fighting off drone swarms, which is an increasingly common warfare tool and one that Russia has employed over the past two years.
GhostPlay, then, could be successful in updating legacy weaponry for use in modern warfare, a technological breakthrough that may not have been possible even a few years ago.
Metaverse Continues to Make Waves in 2023
Although the hype for the metaverse has largely faded, there are still some organizations and individuals making their mark in these virtual worlds. At Rarity Sniper, we’ve written many stories about this technology in the past several months. Here are three.
First, last week, Philippine blockchain week showcased the work of Michael Cinco in the metaverse. Cinco, a world-renowned Filipino fashion designer, said that his industry has always been about redefining barriers and currently there’s no bigger barrier than taking what’s physical and making it digital.
Next, two weeks ago, retail giant Walmart celebrated 50 years of hip-hop in the metaverse through a new experience called ‘Cultureverse.’ This gamified virtual world took place on the metaverse Spatial and celebrated the ability of Black culture to change the world.
Lastly, three weeks ago, K-Pop sensation Blackpink unveiled a metaverse experience in Roblox. Called “Blackpink: The Palace,” the experience will be a permanent fixture in the online game and a space where fans of the group can celebrate its music.
As these stories show, the metaverse is far from dead even if the hype has died down. And with Germany blending AI and the metaverse to create a virtual battleground, the possibilities of this new technology are endless.