Unmanned trucks equipped with artificial intelligence technology are set to be deployed to deliver food supplies to conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters in order to save the lives of humanitarian workers. This development was reported by Reuters, citing a spokesperson from the World Food Program (WFP).
According to the United Nations, attacks on humanitarian workers have been on the rise in recent years, coinciding with the increase in violent conflicts worldwide, which is the highest since the Second World War. The WFP, a UN agency responsible for providing food assistance, already suffered the loss of three workers at the start of this year due to the conflict in Sudan.
The autonomous truck, known as Ampibbum, has the capacity to transport approximately 1-2 tons of food. The WFP currently utilizes around 50 trucks within South Sudan, but each journey to a high-risk area poses a significant threat to the drivers.
Under the Autonomous Humanitarian Emergency Aid Devices (AHEAD) project, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the all-terrain vehicle “Sherp” will also undergo testing in early 2024. This project aims to contribute to the UN’s global goals, including the eradication of hunger.
The integration of artificial intelligence allows for the fusion of satellite data and sensor information, enabling remote operators to control the vehicles. The WFP representative stated that South Sudan, where approximately 7.7 million people are facing severe food shortages exacerbated by flooding, is the primary target for deploying these autonomous trucks.