I came across the beauty Raminator Monster Truck at the Oklahoma City Fair. From a distance, it appeared like a movie prop. Then I heard the growl as it started, and then the roar when it revved up. The ground trembled, leaves fell from the trees, water puddles vibrated, and we were in awe at the height of automotive tech advances.

What is the Raminator?

The Raminator is a custom monster truck built by Tam and Mark Hall of Hall Bros Racing, Thomasboro, Illinois. The model is one of the series of trucks made by Hall Bros. The series includes Heavy Metal (1986), Big Boss (1992), and Executioner (1992), all done in collaboration with GMC and Chevrolet. In 2002, Dodge offered sponsorship to build the Raminator.

Figure 1. Me and the Dodge Raminator at Oklahoma City Fair, OKC

The Raminator has consistently won awards USHRA, Monster Jam, ProMT, PENDA series championship, Monster Nationals, Driver of the Year, and many more. Later, Dodge withdrew the sponsorship since it wanted to focus on smaller trucks. As of now, Hall Bros manages the Raminator.

What are specifications of the Raminator?

Monster trucks are huge, and the Raminator is one of the hugest. Table 1 gives specifications of the Raminator.

Table 1. Specifications of Raminator Truck

The biggest monster truck is Big Foot, used mainly for shows, crushing other vehicles. However, the Raminator gets the attention due to its wins, aura, top speed, and power. Recently, Guiness Book of Records certified that on a test track, Raminator reached a top speed of 99.1 mph, making it the fastest monster truck.

The Design of a Monster Truck is complex since the behemoth needs to have speed, handling, and power. Some important components of the truck are reviewed.

Hemi Engine

Raminator has a hemi engine, and this is a V8, supercharged, custom engine from Chevrolet rebuilt by Mopar. The combustion chamber is designed in the form of a hemisphere to increase the efficiency and power. They may be built as V8 or even V12 configurations. Chevrolet, Noonan, Shafiroff, Kaase Racing, Proline Engines, and Brad Anderson build these engines.

The hemispherical or dome-shaped combustion chamber inside the cylinder head has the sparkplug in the center of the chamber. This placement decreases the burn distance and flame travel of the fuel-air mix, leading to improved combustion. Over the century since it was developed in 1901, leading firms have used the engine as a base.

Firms such as Peugeot, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Daimler, Riley, Corvette, Ford flathead V8, Jaguar XK, Chrysler C 300, Lancia, Dodge Coronet, Plymouth Belvedere, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth Satellite, and others have used the model. The engine was discontinued in street cars due to disadvantages such as higher costs, heavier weight, ability to fit only two valves per head.

Tubular Chassis

Raminator and other monster trucks have a tube steel frame. The tubes are made from steel grades of ASTM A1020 DOM, 4130 Chromium-Molybdenum Steel. The metallurgical properties of these steels make them ideal for the high impact loads, shear stress that the frame undergoes.

For the chassis, the designer used two tubes, with the smaller sliding into the bigger to provide additional strength, especially at joints. A monster truck that performs stunt jumps over bumps, other vehicles at shows, and jumps more than 30 feet. The velocity at launch would be 40+ mph, glides at 32+ mph, and comes down at 44+ mph. So, a truck of 10,000 lbs would land with an 8-g, 25,000 pounds, and the chassis must be strong, light, and flexible.

1020 DOM or drawn over mandrel steel is cold drawing that allows maintaining close tolerance, a smooth finish, and a consistent wall thickness. The steel has a composition of Carbon 0.17 to 0.23 percent, Iron at 99.53 percent, Manganese at 0.6 percent, Phosphorus of 0.04 percent, and Sulphur of 0.05 percent.

The composition gives the steel and tensile strength of 602 Mega Pascal, yield strength of 512 Mega Pascal, Elongation of 15 percent, and 90 Brinell hardness. The four Link bars that connect to the suspension are made of 4130 chromium-molybdenum tubes. Overall, the whole frame is light and can take the massive loads.

Shock absorbers

The load on a monster truck when it drives, jumps, and corners is borne by the shock absorbers. The shock absorbers and suspension need at least 28 inches of travel. This travel is about four times that of the leaf-springs. The shock absorbers have a three-inch outer diameter steel tube with a quarter-inch wall thickness hydraulic wall tube.

The outer surface has a finned or ribbed construction to remove the intense heat. The tubes have Nitrogen gas at 400 psi and under compression; the internal pressure is 2100 psi, to prevent tube collapse. The N gas compresses when the truck hits a ramp, and then springs back, adding to the height to which the truck flies.

Dodge Raminator (Created by Shashi Kadapa with Adobe Firefly)

Gear Train, transmission, and axle

The gear train is automatic, with reverse rotation, Transfer Case Sniper Gear box with FTI performance, 1.00 Bull Gear Ratio. The final dive ratio of 0.50 to 1.70. Captive seals are provided to prevent mud from entering. Other types are Powerglide, Turbo 400, TorqueFLite 727, or the Ford C6 transmission.

The axle is of ZF make, and the total reduction provided is 16.5:1, planetary reduction of 6.3:1, and the ring and pinion or rear end has a 2.6:1 reduction. The large reduction allows the members, such as drive shafts, ring and pinion, and axles, to bear less stress.

The Weight distribution ratio of the sprung and unsprung weights is important. Sprung weight is the load on the suspension, and the unsprung load is that which does not rest on the suspension. Unlike passenger cars that have a 95% ratio, monster trucks have a 50:50 ratio. This distribution allows the maximum weight on the wheel and so the truck remains on the ground.

Tires

BKT, Firestone, and other brands make monster truck tires. These are just huge, about 66 by 43 by 25 in, weighing more than 440 lbs at 1.6 bar pressure. While such tires require large and heavy rims, the weight will be very high. Therefore, the rims are made of 25-inch tubes. During a jump, when the vehicle lands, the tires almost flatten, without crushing the rim.

A bigger bead on the wheel is fabricated from the tube. The width of the rim is kept at 32 inches, and a crown is built. Stock tires are modified by turning on a lathe, and three inches of tread is removed. The remaining lugs are shaved by hand, and about 450 lbs of rubber is removed. The reason is weight, and when 10 Lbs is removed from the tire, about 100 lbs is reduced from the chassis, increasing the speed.

Seating

The seat is critical, since an improperly designed seat will tear loose and send the driver flying. The seat is layered with high-impact foam to reduce shocks, and a 7-point harness keeps the driver seated. It is bolted to the chassis and reduces the 15 g decelerations to about 4.5 g to the driver. This flying and dropping happens 25-40 times in a circuit.

Final Thoughts

At the OKC fair, the pit crew was kind enough to give me a short ride. It was a plain track in a field, but it felt like riding an angry but controlled elephant. A small ‘bump’ was built on which the truck rode, and it felt like I was dropping from the sky, with the ground swimming and wavering.

I have seen many mean and powerful racing cars, even touched a few; they were awesome. With the Raminator, it felt like touching a resting bull that would rise and rage. A thought struck me, if the truck decided to run wild, there was nothing in the city that could stop it.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of INDUSTRY 4.0. The content is provided by the author as-is and is published solely for informational or educational purposes.

INDUSTRY 4.0 does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented and is not liable for any errors, omissions or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. The responsibility for the content lies entirely with the author.

Banner image credit : Dodge Raminator (Created by Shashi Kadapa with Adobe Firefly)

About the author :

Mr. Shashi Kadapa

Based in Pune, India, Mr. Shashi Kadapa is an engineer, MBA and has worked with leading IT and manufacturing firms. A multi-hyphenate, he has roles as a technical writer, and SEO content writer with a focus on IT and tech topics.

Creative fiction is his passion, and he serves as the managing editor of ActiveMuse, a journal of literature. His stories across multiple genres are published in more than 45 US and UK anthologies.

His creative works

Mr. Shashi Kadapa can be contacted at :

E-mail | LinkedIn | Blog | Mobile : +91 7387492371

Also read Mr. Shashi Kadapa earlier article:

The post RAMINATOR MONSTER Truck appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Is Synthetic AI Data poised to take over AI Data? Is AI nearing the end of product life cycle …

Synthetic Intelligence (SI) is intelligence that is artificially constructed and seeks to imitate and surpass human reasoning and creativity. SI includes design of flexible systems that can function in learning, reasoning, decision making and creative problem-solving. Synthetic Intelligence is about a built or engineered nature.

SI does not emerge into being biologically but is synthesized from algorithms, data, and computational models. Synthetic intelligence directly addresses the artificial aspect of artificial intelligence. SI explains that intelligence of machines is not always an imitation of that which is artificial, and it may simply be genuine intelligence.

So, what is SI, how will it impact technology, and the manner in which we consume tech, what are some examples, will SI replace AI? This blog answers these questions.

What does SI basically do

AI is about learning through data and using the findings to create movies, images, songs, and serve the industry. However, gathering this data is a tremendous task and subject to privacy laws. Finding data is the biggest challenge.

SI overcomes this challenge. In its most simple form, SI is about generating synthetic data, based on real data. It studies the patterns of data elements and then generates large data sets that are used by various sectors. The data is “fake real” meaning that it is fabricated using real data.

Now, the main task of finding usable data is done. AI engineers can focus on building accurate predictive AI systems. Existing machine learning, data analysis, can be used.

Differences between SI and AI

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

Some important differences between SI and AI are given in the following table.

Key Aspects of Synthetic Intelligence

John Haugeland, an American philosopher of mind, cognitive science, phenomenology, and Heidegger. He explained about SI in 1986, giving an example of synthetic diamonds to explain the concept of SI.

Synthetic diamonds are not ‘diamonds’, but they are considered as diamonds. These are created by synthesis where parts are combined and processed to whole part, but they are human versions of naturally produced diamonds.

The important aspects of SI are:

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

Synthetic Data as the Impetus: Current AI systems often depend on data, but there is limited access to high-quality, diverse, and unbiased datasets. Synthetic Intelligence uses synthetic data, or computer-generated datasets, as a safe and scalable way to train models. This is especially important in sensitive areas such as healthcare, financial use cases, or defense where real data is difficult to obtain or limited by law, regulation, and ethical considerations.

Synthetic Media Production: Synthetic Intelligence in its media form has some of the most recognizable face through its ability to create synthetic media. This includes graphics, video images, audio, and even synthetic digital humans. These capabilities work together to power large sectors, such as entertainment media, advertising, education, and simulation training.

Cognitive Simulation: An important aspect of Synthetic Intelligence is to simulate cognition. This would mean building systems that perform not only can process data, but also reason, plan, and adapt. This is one pathway to what researchers have called Synthetic General Intelligence (SGI)—a system that has cognitive flexibility as humans do.

Human–AI Dyads: Synthetic Intelligence must not replace human intelligence, rather it has the potential to become a co-intelligence that augments human intuition, creativity, productivity, and in some cases, decision competence. Together human intuition and synthetic reasoning can probably change the way organizations innovate.

PSI theory applied to SI

PSI theory, developed by Dietrich Dorner et al., (2013), is the first architecture that addresses cognition in a more holistic way. Joscha Bach in his book speaks about Principles of Synthetic Intelligence – PSI as applied to SI. Computational models of cognition provide a limited scope of cognition. They address contexts related to problem solving and reasoning, and treat perception and motivation as unconnected.

It extends the conceptual link between motivation and emotion and perception and reasoning, and advances a grounded neuro-symbolic representation of cognition. Psi makes a major contribution to an integrated understanding of mind by demonstrating the conceptual links between perception and memory, language and mental representation, reasoning and motivation, emotion and cognition, autonomy and social behavior.

However, Joshua explains that PSI’s development in psychology, its methodologies and documentation have limited its impact. The author further develops the Psi theory to cognitive science and artificial intelligence. He has integrated the theory and technical structure of the theory into context and to clarify how the terminology of Psi contributes to our understanding of cognition.

What are the applications of synthetic intelligence

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

Synthetic Intelligence (SI) is rapidly developing as a serious contender to several startups that are developing, SI-based products. The appeal of SI is creating high quality synthetic/artificial data that reduces bias, protects privacy and IPT, reduces sully collection time, cost, and availability of technology to many.

SI innovations are utilized for image generation, 3D simulated environments, and structured data modeling. StartUs presents a list of leading startups that are providing SI solutions are Simulacra Synthetic Data Studio – AI-powered Synthetic Data Platform; Sightwise – Machine Vision-based Synthetic Data; brewdata – Synthetic Data Generation Platform; Synthera AI – Synthetic Financial Market Data; and others. SI data is utilized by multiple sectors.

 A few of the sectors are:

Will SI replace AI

Not really and in the absolute sense. Lee (2025) in his article, discusses the idea that SI is the paradigm of AI of the future. Critical technical and legal issues are challenged to AI by the necessity of acquiring large real-world data sets to train the machine learning models.

Obtaining such real-world data can be extremely challenging and can risk privacy, add in bias in automated decision making, and engage in mass copyright infringement. SI is paradoxical as a technical construct in the sense that it can mitigate many of these risks, but not eliminate them.

Data scientists are compelled to use simulated driving environments, invented medical records, falsified images, and all forms of synthetic data to train the machine learning models. Artificial data, in essence, is being used to train artificial intelligence.

Synthetic data has many technical advantages, and several legal ones as well. It heralds dramatic reductions in the costs of acquiring data, eliminates privacy issues, decreases the possibility of automated discrimination, and diminishes copyright issues.

Equally as promising, however, synthetic data also presents significant threats. Synthetic data and its deficiencies in the development and deployment of synthetic data can exacerbate the dangers of AI and social harm. Accordingly, SI is an innovation ecosystem to advance its responsible and robust development.

As a result, SI will ultimately become a new form of AI that is cheaper and more straightforward.

Summing Up

The blog examined key aspects of Synthetic Intelligence SI with AI. The findings indicate that SI generated data can be used cost effectively to replace AI data that is difficult to procure and subject to privacy laws.

So, will SI replace AI? Yes, at least the data generation, processing, and machine learning part that is most challenging. SI data is accurate, reliable, but subject to the same accuracy issues of AI data. The process of data generation, processing, training LLMs is simpler.

Present AI engineers do not have to fear about redundancy. They need to retrain and adapt. Well, we all have to do that anyway.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of INDUSTRY 4.0. The content is provided by the author as-is and is published solely for informational or educational purposes.

INDUSTRY 4.0 does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented and is not liable for any errors, omissions or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. The responsibility for the content lies entirely with the author.

About the author :

Mr. Shashi Kadapa

Based in Pune, India, Mr. Shashi Kadapa is an engineer, MBA and has worked with leading IT and manufacturing firms. A multi-hyphenate, he has roles as a technical writer, and SEO content writer with a focus on IT and tech topics.

Creative fiction is his passion, and he serves as the managing editor of ActiveMuse, a journal of literature. His stories across multiple genres are published in more than 45 US and UK anthologies.

His creative works

Mr. Shashi Kadapa can be contacted at :

E-mail | LinkedIn | Blog | Mobile : +91 7387492371

Also read Mr. Shashi Kadapa earlier article:

The post Goodbye AI → Welcome SI appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Wing In Ground Electric Sea Gliders offer extremely low cost, efficient, zero emission, safe transport over the sea and inland waterways. They are ideal for logistics, defense, and tourism.

Figure 1. Sea Glider from Waterfly Technologies

It is now the turn of airplanes to be ‘electrified.’ The ‘new flight in town’ is the electric sea glider. It overcomes many of the negatives of ICE airplanes, such as a far lower cost per passenger, zero footprint, total non-pollution, zero emissions, and low noise. It operates with existing docks used for boats, and in an emergency, it lands on water and will not crash.

A handful of entrepreneurs offer these aircraft for commercial use.  The technology incubation center, IIT Madras, has launched Waterfly Technologies, and USA-based REGENT Craft started a venture in 2020. Several other firms have launched these products.

In March 2025, REGENT launched a full prototype named Paladin. This aircraft, with a length of 55 feet, wingspan of 65 feet, top speed of 290 kilometers per hour, range of 290 kilometers, flies 9-10 meters above water, with 12 PAX and two crew. The noise at < 30 Decibels makes it quieter than a helicopter.

Waterfly Technologies claim that the journey on its sea gliders with a range of 500 kilometers will cost less than INR 600 or 50 cents per kilogram per kilometer. This is less than a train ticket, and considerably less than an airplane journey. The aircraft is suitable for tour operators, defense forces, logistics firms, and even for personal use.

What are sea gliders? How big/ small are they? Who operates them? What will be the cost for a seat? Can they carry passengers and cargo? Which segment are they used in? How safe are they? This article answers these and other questions.

What are Sea Gliders?

Electric sea gliders are modern versions of seaplanes and integrate two technologies. The first is that rechargeable electric motors power these aircraft. The second is that these are Wing-In-Ground (WIG) aircraft.

Norman Leonard explains in his book that WIG aircraft, also called ground effect aircraft, fly over open water by using the ground effect principle. In this effect, the distance between the wings and the water surface is just a few meters. The aircraft glides over the surface, and the aerodynamic drag-lift requirement is reduced.

The air pressure rises on the underside of the wings, and the pressure over the top is reduced. This low-high pressure differential is balanced and retained as the airflow moves to the ends. A vortex is developed that forms a lift-induced drag. With a large wing span, the drag is reduced for the lift, increasing the efficiency of the lift. Figure 2 illustrates the WIG effect.

Figure 2. WIG Aircraft using the WIG Effect (Embry- Riddle)

Michael Halloran and Sean O’Meara, in their work for the Australian Aeronautical and Maritime Research Laboratory, explain that WIG was introduced in the 1960s. These aircraft usually have longer wings than conventional aircraft, and the water or ground increases the aspect ratio as the surfaces stop the expansion of the vortex at the wing tips.

As a result, WIG aircraft develop sufficient power to rise a few meters above the surface and can also move forward at significant speeds. These aircraft are midway between hovercrafts and conventional airplanes. If sufficient power is available, the aircraft can fly to 10+ meters high. Higher flights are not possible since the WIG effect is lost.

Figure 3. Sea Glider in Flight (REGENT Craft)

Initially, the craft moves forward on the hydrofoils until takeoff speed is reached. The automatic hydrofoils in place of wheels retract when the flight takes off. Pontons under the wings provided the essential stability while landing and taking off.

Figure 4. WIG Sea Glider with hydrofoils active (REGENT Craft)

WIG aircraft can even fly on land and ice. However, the presence of trees, buildings, and other vehicles creates dangerous obstacles. While they can fly over sand, dust particles can clog the motors. These aircraft are ideal for travel over water.

What is the structure and specifications of Sea Gliders?

The external and some elements of the electric sea glider are similar to an ICE airplane.  It has a fuselage with two wings and a tail. Propellers powered by electric motors are installed on the wings, and passengers occupy seats along the length. However, there are many other differences. A sample specification for the Viceroy model is illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 5. Specifications of the Viceroy electric sea glider (REGENT Craft)

Manufacturers build sea gliders as per their product line and market requirements. They are rated as per the size, passenger or payload capacity, overall dimensions, motor power, wing type, and avionics. Higher power rating allows larger payloads, and or distance. The body or fuselage is made of reinforced carbon fiber, making it light and strong.

What is the air worthiness of Sea Gliders?

Nandkumar Bhopale et al., in their document on the design of WIG aircraft, explain that the wings of WIG undergo intense pressure from the lift forces. A poorly designed or fitted wing can shear if the loads are high.

In choppy water, the aircraft bobs over the waves, creating additional shear forces on the wings. Flying in rough headwind creates extra forces and an extra load on the motors and wings. Hence, the cross-section is reduced to a minimum. However, seaworthiness is an issue.

The International Maritime Organization has released requirements for the Wing-in-ground (WIG) Craft (MSC/Circ.1126), 2011. Initially, only ships and submarines were covered by the organization. Considering the introduction of new water-faring crafts, new guidelines cover WIG.

The directives give clear mandatory specifications for buoyancy, stability, structure, directional and altitude controls, safety and fire systems, electricals and battery, and on several other important parameters.

To begin commercial operations, WIG operators must obtain the Permit to Operate WIG crafts, and each plane should have a safety certificate. The requirements are implemented at each port where the craft would operate. These permits are not issued unless airworthiness is satisfactory.

What are the success factors of Sea Gliders?

Kristin Kerem et al. mention several success factors for the successful commercialization and adoption of WIG craft. Government bodies and regulatory authorities should have a positive attitude towards these aircraft. While strict compliance and safety measures are needed, bureaucracy and delays in granting permits should be reduced.

This is an evolving technology and investment; assurances and interest from the private sector are essential. Private firms can enter into presale agreements and book aircraft to encourage growth. Since these aircraft operate in the coastal regions, clear routes and times should be defined so that accidents with ships and boats do not occur.

It is essential to combine and integrate other technologies such as GPS, weather forecast, avionics, improved battery and motor systems, and reinforced fiber technology. These technologies are already in use, and the government should support and offer incentives to entrepreneurs and manufacturers.

Who operates Sea Gliders?

In India, the IIT Madras technology incubation center has supported Waterfly Technologies. The team has developed a prototype for testing and plans to launch a 20-seater by 2026. There are plans to start long-distance flights from Chennai to Singapore by 2029.

REGENT of the USA has raised more than 10 billion USD for its range of sea gliders. Many firms, such as Japan Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Yamato Transport, and several others, have invested in the firm.

What are the prices for a long-distance seat on a Sea Glider?

According to Waterfly Technologies, electric sea gliders have zero fuel costs. They can operate from existing small jetties and ports; hence, expensive airport landing and parking charges are avoided. They fly below the radar in ‘stealth’ mode, making them ideal for covert operations of defense forces.

Maintenance cost is reduced since the conventional ICE engine is replaced by a battery-driven electric motor. Two crew members, a pilot and a hostess, are sufficient with minimal ground crew. They are also fast and travel at speeds of more than 300, allowing for quick travel to short distances.

Considering all these factors, Waterfly Technologies estimates that the costs will be about 600 INR for a distance of 1500 kilometers. Larger crafts have a payload of 1500 kilograms, and logistics will find this aspect very economical.

How safe are Sea Gliders?

Electric sea gliders have to clear strict compliance and safety certifications with routine maintenance checks. In addition, they fly just a few meters above the water surface. In case of an emergency, they can land on the water and wait for rescue. The possibility of horrific air crashes of conventional aircraft does not exist.

Hence, electric sea gliders have a high level of safety.

Future trends – AI and Automation in Sea Gliders

The market for WIG electric sea gliders is poised to grow. Times Tech, without speaking of General Electric airplanes, estimates that the market, which was worth USD 11.4 billion in 2024, will reach USD 75 billion by 2034. This strong growth should attract investors.

The Electric WIG Sea Glider is an emerging and evolving technology. There are reports of automation and AI in these aircraft. Automation will mean pilotless flights, ideal for defense and logistics, for tourists.

Use of AI will help in predictive maintenance, route planning, and scheduling. Developments are underway to use hydrogen for power, and this technology will reduce the costs further while increasing the range.

Final Thoughts

Wing-in-Ground Electric Sea Glider is an excellent technology that will revolutionize coastal transport. It is zero emission and sustainable, removing the need for expensive fossil fuels. It is very economical since the fuel is free, and the existing infrastructure of jetties can be used. It gives direct contact to remote islands that cannot accommodate larger airplanes.

The use of AI and automation to increase efficiency will further strengthen the product. The stealth and zero radar footprint make it ideal for defense forces. It is an ultra-low budget air transport and will benefit the delivery of government services, and also boost tourism. This technology needs immediate help from the government and the private sector.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of INDUSTRY 4.0. The content is provided by the author as-is and is published solely for informational or educational purposes.

INDUSTRY 4.0 does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented and is not liable for any errors, omissions or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. The responsibility for the content lies entirely with the author.

About the author :

Mr. Shashi Kadapa

Based in Pune, India, Mr. Shashi Kadapa is an engineer, MBA and has worked with leading IT and manufacturing firms. A multi-hyphenate, he has roles as a technical writer, and SEO content writer with a focus on IT and tech topics.

Creative fiction is his passion, and he serves as the managing editor of ActiveMuse, a journal of literature. His stories across multiple genres are published in more than 45 US and UK anthologies.

His creative works

Mr. Shashi Kadapa can be contacted at :

E-mail | LinkedIn | Blog | Mobile : +91 7387492371

Also read Mr. Shashi Kadapa earlier article:

The post Electric Sea Gliders appeared first on Industry4o.com.

War in the current metamodernism era is now transformed into a dynamic hypermodern AI era. The ongoing wars in the Middle East and the war in Europe are driving the increased application of Artificial Intelligence. Also known as Algorithmic War, AI is used for intelligence gathering and processing, precise target selection, and elimination.

AI has introduced terms like kill chain, kill cloud, and kill lists as part of war strategy. How far has AI advanced in controlling and directing war? What are the tools ‘The Gospel’, ‘Lavender’, ‘Where’s Daddy’, ‘Depth of Wisdom’, ‘Nimbus’, the Alchemist’, and ‘KingFish,’ used for? This article answers these queries and more.

Introduction

Hypermodern war is less about foot soldiers charging and fighting on battlefields. This will come later if missiles do not decimate battalions. Something much more systematic and malevolent has emerged. Ishmael Bhila speaks of Kill Chains, and Kill Clouds that engulf the world in the global war on terror.

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

In the postmodern era following the Iraq war in the early 1990s, Kill Chains dominated the strategy. Kill chain was about setting a chain of ‘seek and destroy’ enemy targets and individuals. Cell phones and computing systems were still nascent, and intelligence gathering was through traditional methods, radio and POTS – plain old telephone systems. Analysis of ‘tons of data was part automated and manual, onerous, and targeted missions were challenging.

Note – The actual AI systems used by defense forces are highly confidential. The discussion is based on inputs from peer-reviewed resources.

Image Credit: Airbus

The approach and strategy as of 2023 onwards with the Kill Cloud system. The Disruption Network, a group of AI scientists and whistleblowers explain the details. Kill Cloud is a network of cloud infrastructure powered by AI systems that utilize multiple methods, including drones and cellular phone triangulation, to locate, identify, and eliminate targets, remotely with guided missiles. Israel used this very effectively in the Gaza and Iran wars, and the US used this to take out an Iranian General in 2020.

Jane reports that HIS, a group comprising Helsing, IBM Deutschland, and Schönhofer is tasked with building FCSA – Future Combat Air System. This system features an AI backbone connected to the air, land, and sea defense system. Called Combat Cloud, it is designed to protect the EU from possible aggression. FCSA is built with AI controllers connected to unmanned remote carriers and platforms that act as effectors, sensors, and Command and Control (C2) nodes. The system with an open architecture allows for collaborative combat where each munition and team communicate with other units to form an effective Kill Cloud.

The following sections discuss various AI technologies and systems used in hypermodern war.

The Art of AI in War

Israel has used AI very effectively in identifying and targeting individuals and facilities considered dangerous. At the same time, the target Gaza area is approximately 365 sq kms, with about 2.1 million people residing there resulting in a population density of roughly 6000/ sq km. Israel has not used ‘carpet bombing’ as seen in the WWs, but exact attacks that struck specific apartments and rooms in this packed place.

In the book, ‘The Human-Machine Team How to Create Synergy Between Human and Artificial Intelligence That Will Revolutionize Our World’ by YS, a Brigadier General of Israel explains the need for an AI machine to quickly process large data and identify targets when a war breaks out. It appears that The Gospel and other tools discussed later are a part of this system.

Now what role did AI play in this war

Use of AI in targeting

Chris Gray explains that Unit 8200, a part of Israel’s intelligence developed The Gospel, an AI tool used for identifying targets. The nation utilizes several AI tools for special tasks. The Gospel is an AI database tool, a much more effective upgrade of the Tzayad C3 system created in 2015. It is an AI version of Israeli officers who manually selected targets. In the postmodern war and under ideal conditions, about 20 Israeli personnel could find plausible 100 ‘maybe’ targets in 300+ days.

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

The Gospel, on the other hand, can locate approximately 200 targets positively in densely populated townships in less than 10 days. The application identified and destroyed 10,000 targets in the Gaza war. Israel’s AI strategy encompasses various stages using multiple tools. The Gospel is linked with ‘Lavendar’ and ‘Where’s Daddy’ AI tools for intelligence gathering. The Gospel maps buildings and infrastructure, such as homes, buildings, and tunnels. Lavender maps suspect individuals, while Where’s Daddy follows targets by tracking their mobile phones and pagers, and alerts IDF when the targets go home.

Data Triangulation

Cell phone towers that facilitate mobile calls and text messages acted as data inputs for The Gospel. Joana Moll of the Disruption Network Institute explains how Ad Tech inadvertently gives information about targets to Israel. Ad Tech is about firms like Meta, Instagram, and many sellers who target users for promotions and Ads. The target population usually has their mobile phones on. Israel, at any instance, knew the location of specific individuals.

It is possible that when the bombing took out power systems, there was some gap in finding the location, and the last known location was targeted. Reports suggest that this method is rough and civilians who were not targets were also killed. According to The Guardian, IDF used Ad Tech data, 10-year-old Palestine census data, and advanced face recognition systems to profile people.

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

Red Wolf, Blue Wolf and Wolf Pack are AI-powered face recognition systems that map 80 nodes of a face. Israel deploys the apps at Gaza checkpoints, airports, bus terminals, and other public places. Gaza activists had this habit of posing with their pictures on social media accounts. A person’s facial features are mapped in detail and fed into The Gospel along with their mobile number, home and office address. The mobile and pager numbers are then linked to identify the people with whom they have communicated. A network of contacts is built and stored using Lavender.

Lavendar and Where’s Daddy

Lavendar, Where’s Daddy are AI programs trained using machine learning algorithms on data of targets. The software uses an algorithm and gives a rating or score for the target. This assignment is based on the profile, contacts the system decides if the person is an activist. Israel Defense Forces – IDF then split the Gaza Strip into 620 blocks. The target individual had to essentially live and move within the Gaza Strip since they were not allowed to go out of the zone.

In the months and years available to the IDF, they created precise maps of Gaza activists, their homes, friends, and who they communicated with. More than 37,000 Gaza activists living in homes and located in tunnels were mapped. In many instances, some people who were not closely associated with activists were also flagged. People were bombed at night in their homes when they were with families.

IDF used dumb relatively low-cost bombs on junior activists destroying buildings along with the targets. Expensive missiles with precise targeting capability were used for higher-ranking officers. At the time of missile attacks, the IDF had to know the exact spot. This problem was solved with another deadly AI tool called Stingray.

Stingray Devices

One of the main problems while tracking targets through mobile phones is that the cell tower is the sole controller of connections. Mobile operators have to obey a legal process when the govt wants them to monitor phones. This takes time and the operator can refuse or delay. This is where Stingray devices are used. They are also known as cell-site simulators and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) catchers.

Versions of these devices have been available to law officers for several years, but the latest Stingrays with AI bring surveillance to a new level. These devices provide intelligence at this instance.’ This means they pinpoint your location as you are reading this sentence. These devices simulate a cellular phone tower for a few seconds, establish a connection to the target phone, and then break the contact, allowing the device to link with cell towers.

When the target phone connects to a Stingray, it harvests the IMSI number of the phone and checks against The Gospel data. If confirmation is received that the phone belongs to the target then the next steps are initiated. The precise location is mapped and the process is repeated after a minute to see if the target is moving or stationary. Suppose the target is moving in a car. Then satellite images are used to verify the high-resolution terrain map of the road, estimate vehicle speed, and then direct autonomous drones and missile launchers.

Controllers know the missile’s speed and with satellite based geographical positioning, they calculate the vehicles’ location of the car, and launch. In 2020, an Iranian general was taken out with this method when he was in a convoy. If the target is sitting in a location, then the process is simpler. Human soldiers are present to push the trigger and operate the drone if needed. AI handles all intelligence gathering, data analysis, identifying targets, and coordinates calculation. Stingray devices are briefcase size. They can be operated from a command vehicle and plugged into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

Several other devices are available for surveillance and are used by law enforcement since many years. The devices become very effective when connected to AI systems. Harpoons are signal boosters or amplifiers for Stingrays. KingFish and Gossamer are hand-held devices for tracking while walking. Triggerfish allows the interception and recording of conversations of over 60,000 cell phones simultaneously. Amberjack finds the direction of a signal. Hailstorm is an upgrade for Stingray and communicates with the cell tower to coordinate monitoring.

An important device is the Alchemist which sends real-time alerts to soldiers’ tablets of threats from the air, water, and ground. Depth of Wisdom was critical in tunnel mapping as it provided a complete picture of the network. Inside and above views were presented along with details of tunnel depth, gradients, thickness, height, and booby traps.

Microsoft Azure

All the above AI systems were hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform and internal servers. Azure is a Cloud-based Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. It offers tools and a development environment for AI-based computing, data analytics, and networking. Israel used Azure services to help its campaigns.

Israel has its capabilities and developed the analysis internally. It compared its results with those from Azure and OpenAI to verify the accuracy, and then a decision was taken to fire missiles or abort. There were protests and anger at Microsoft and OpenAI for letting Israel use the system to wage war.

Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

Fully autonomous AI driven systems for threat identification and defense are under development. AI fully manages all systems. They are depicted in movies like Terminator, The Matrix, and M3GAN, where the AI is evil. However, AI learns behavior, and threat identification, from machine learning algorithms. If trained on biased data, then AI may turn malevolent.

Image: Fully autonomous AI driven systems

Final thoughts

The article examined how hypermodern AI wars are waged. Recent wars in the Middle East saw extensive use of AI for information analysis, targeting, and delivering action. Invasions by Israel are limited and have not happened in Syria and Lebanon. All the fighting was done remotely. Israel targeted enemy offence infrastructure and key people, taking them out precisely.

It seems difficult to comprehend how remote personnel at workstations can do so much damage. This is modern war. It is better than carpet bombing and damage to other people, structures is less. More advances, faster and more accurate algorithms, data gathering and precise analysis are expected to make AI more ubiquitous, and deadly.

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Banner Image Credit: Shashi Kadapa with Google Gemini

About the author :

Mr. Shashi Kadapa

Based in Pune, India, Mr. Shashi Kadapa is an engineer, MBA and has worked with leading IT and manufacturing firms. A multi-hyphenate, he has roles as a technical writer, and SEO content writer with a focus on IT and tech topics.

Creative fiction is his passion, and he serves as the managing editor of ActiveMuse, a journal of literature. His stories across multiple genres are published in more than 45 US and UK anthologies.

His creative works

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