UN official: AI, drones unlikely to replace human mine clearance efforts soon

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and advanced sensors can assist humanitarian mine clearance operations, but they are not expected to replace human labor in the near future, Mark Connelly, Chief of the Mine Action Programme at the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), told journalists on the sidelines of the 4th International Mine Action Conference on "Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements," Report informs.

He said there is a need worldwide for funding and specialists trained in mine clearance technologies.

"Each of these is equally important. New technologies are constantly being developed and tested in different countries. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and advanced sensors provide some assistance in humanitarian mine clearance operations and are being developed and tested in many countries. However, for now, they cannot completely replace human labor. This is one of the interesting topics currently being studied within the industry," Connelly said.

The UN official also addressed mine clearance efforts around the world.

"As UNMAS, we serve as the main coordinating entity within the UN Secretariat for mine action. Therefore, we lead efforts toward achieving a world free of mines and do everything we can to achieve this goal. As for partnerships, I can say that more funding is always welcome. But without technology, personnel and equipment, funding cannot be used effectively. Even if additional funding is allocated, we cannot use those resources without these elements. Funding, of course, will always remain an issue, but at the same time, there is also a need for the appropriate human resources and support," he said.