Chatting About Drones with ChatGPT

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When OpenAI launched ChatGPT at the end of November, the site’s use of language models to answer many questions coherently and conversationally made it seem like Ask Jeeves on steroids. Its rollout has spurred talk about how it will do everything from killing Google search to providing new tool for bogus term papers. Meanwhile, harrumphers question its ability to be nuanced and accurate.

A month into ChatGPT reinforcing its language and knowledge bases through user interfacing, we at Inside Unmanned Systems wondered how well it could reply to queries on the specialized information that populates the world of drones.

To find out, we unfurled a New Year’s version of our “Five Good Questions” format. After several protective sign-ins on openai.com, we found results ranging from impressive to simplistic. Here they are, with our assessments.

Q. What is the role of drones in the Russia-Ukraine war?

ChatGPT:

The Russia-Ukraine war, also known as the War in Donbass, is a ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine that began in 2014. There have been reports of both Russia and Ukraine using drones in the conflict, but it is difficult to determine the exact role that drones have played due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and the limited information that is available.

According to some reports, both Russia and Ukraine have used drones for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes in the conflict. Drones may also have been used to gather intelligence, such as identifying the locations of enemy troops and equipment. In addition, there have been reports of drones being used to deliver supplies to troops on the front lines, as well as to deliver small payloads such as explosives.

It is important to note that the use of drones in the conflict has not been without controversy. There have been accusations of both sides using drones to launch attacks on civilian populations, and there have also been reports of drones being used to disrupt communication networks and infrastructure.

VERDICT: An understandable lay response, but limited to “reports of” and not deep enough for our niche.

Q. What Iranian drones are being used in Ukraine?

ChatGPT:

It is not clear what you are asking. There have been no reports of Iranian drones being used in Ukraine. If you have any specific information or concerns about the use of drones in Ukraine, it would be best to contact the appropriate authorities or news organizations for further information.

Interestingly, when asked again, ChatGPT was more forthcoming, and apologetic:

I am not aware of any Iranian drones being used in Ukraine. It is possible that there may be some Iranian-made drones being used in Ukraine, but I do not have information on this. It is important to note that just because a drone is made in a particular country does not necessarily mean that it is being used by that country’s military or government. Many drones are sold on the commercial market and can be used by a wide range of users, including individuals, companies, and organizations.

VERDICT: Alas, the folks in Kyiv beg to differ. A fail, both generally and specifically.

Q. What is LiDAR?

ChatGPT:

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances to objects. It works by emitting a laser beam and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back after hitting an object. This information is used to create a detailed 3D map or model of the object or environment being scanned.

LiDAR is commonly used in a variety of applications, including surveying, mapping, and self-driving cars. In surveying and mapping, LiDAR is used to create high-resolution topographic maps and 3D models of the earth’s surface. In self-driving cars, LiDAR is used to create a 3D map of the surrounding environment, which is used to help the car navigate and avoid obstacles.

LiDAR has several advantages over other remote sensing technologies. It can operate in a range of lighting conditions, including darkness and fog, and is able to produce highly accurate measurements. LiDAR is also able to scan a wide area quickly, making it useful for applications that require rapid data collection.

VERDICT: Not a bad introductory baseline for drilling down into the technology.

Q. How does BVLOS affect drones?

BVLOS stands for “beyond visual line of sight,” and it refers to the operation of a drone beyond the visual range of the operator. This type of operation can be more challenging and requires additional safety precautions because the operator is not able to see the drone directly and must rely on other means of monitoring the drone’s position and status.

There are several factors that can affect the ability of a drone to operate safely BVLOS, including:

• Communication: The drone must have a reliable communication link with the operator to transmit its position and status, as well as to receive instructions.

• Navigation: The drone must have a reliable navigation system to ensure it stays on course and avoids collisions with other objects.

• Sensors: The drone may need additional sensors, such as radar or lidar, to detect and avoid obstacles that may be beyond the range of its onboard cameras.

• Regulations: BVLOS operations are subject to specific regulations that vary by country and region. Operators must ensure that they have the necessary permissions and follow all applicable rules when conducting BVLOS flights.

Overall, operating a drone BVLOS requires careful planning, robust equipment, and a thorough understanding of the potential risks and challenges involved.

VERDICT: Another solid answer—for newbies, not drone professionals.

As the model gains strength, it may be able to tailor sophisticated answers to questions of varying exactness. But for our final query, editor Brett Davis couldn’t resist one dear to fans of the Bridge of Death riddle from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Q. What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

The airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow is about 25 miles per hour or 11 meters per second. This is the average speed at which a European Swallow (Hirundo rustica) flies, but it is worth noting that the airspeed velocity of a swallow can vary depending on the species of swallow and the specific circumstances in which it is flying. Some swallows, such as the African Swallow (Ptyonoprogne rufigula), are capable of flying at faster speeds, while others may fly more slowly under certain conditions, such as when carrying a heavy load or flying into a headwind.

VERDICT: Not sufficient for the Knights Who Say Ni!

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