ARCAS uses AI to keep your rifle on-target

Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company, says it has the next generation of smart optics, with the new ARCAS aiming system. According to Elbit Systems, ARCAS is an "AI-Powered, Computerized Solution" that combines software and hardware to stay on-target, and on the mission.

The ARCAS system consists of an AI-powered computer that mounts to your rifle's forward grip, interfacing with the rifle's electro-optical sight and a helmet-mounted eyepiece. Elbit says ARCAS will provide soldiers "with real-time intuitive actionable combat information." Does that sound like something you'd want to bet your life on, on the battlefield? Better bring spare batteries, and a corporate buzzword bingo card.

Leaving the garbled jargon aside and breaking the marketeering down, here's how it works. The onboard computer analyzes data gathered from the electro-optical sight, along with data from other ARCAS users in the operator's team, and tactical information from commanding officers. It takes all this information and then displays an augmented reality layer on top of the scenery that's visible through the electro-optic, or through the user's helmet-mounted optic. The end result is a next-gen aiming system that looks to be straight from a G.I. Joe comic book from the 1980s, loaded with mission-critical information.

The system's graphic readout can give the shooter details on range and windage, and detect friendlies. ARCAS can also be configured to update the shooter on the rifle's mechanical status; presumably, in the future, it could warn the operator of ammunition status or jams or other important information. As this system would allow shooters to aim the rifle without having their eyes placed directly in-line with the barrel, ARCAS' readout would effectively allow soldiers to aim their rifles around corners.

According to Elbit, "Soldiers operate the system using a joystick button placed on the rifle’s forward grip and a Graphical User Interface inspired by the gaming world." It can include a thermal sight or low-light optic as part of the system, and Elbit says it can interface with any existing electro-optical sight.

The ARCAS AI system can be customized to a customer's operational needs and requirements, even integrating third-party apps. It's hard to imagine just what those apps are, but no doubt defense industry insiders are already working on upgrading ARCAS with their own tweaks.

You can find out more about Elbit Systems and ARCAS at the company's website, but details are still limited, and this tech is intended for deep-pocketed private or state customers, not backyard plinkers.