Part 9/11:
Using AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini 2.5, Burke's team developed a multi-layered brain for drones—covering basic flight firmware, live mapping, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous mission planning—all embedded within a Raspberry Pi onboard the drone itself. This eliminates the need for external ground control systems, enabling near-autonomous operation.
Remarkably, Burke reports that what traditionally might take years of human effort—such as the four-year development of similar navigation systems—was accomplished in about 100 hours with AI assistance. This leap highlights AI’s potential to drastically reduce development time and accelerate innovation, sparking excitement but also raising concerns about safety and regulation.