Google’s internet-providing balloons to be steered by AI

Context: Google’s moon-shot project Loon’s internet-providing balloons will be controlled and steered by AI, not humans.

• Developed by Loon and Google AI, the navigation system leverages deep reinforcement learning (RL) to navigate the stratospheric baloons.
  • RL is a type of machine learning technique that enables an agent to learn by trial and error in an interactive environment using feedback from its own actions and experiences.
• The new technology is different from the conventional automated systems that have fixed procedures developed through traditional methods by engineers.
• Loon claims that it is the world’s first deployment of reinforcement learning in a production aerospace system.

Testing the system

• The team deployed the latest RL controllers named perciatelli44, in the stratosphere over the Pacific Ocean.
• The RL system kept the balloons in range of the desired location more often and also consumed less power.
• Using less power to steer the balloon leaves more power available to connect people to the internet, information, and other people.
• Loon’s system is solar-powered, and the energy collected powers communication equipment while powering the navigation system.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/googles-internet-providing-balloons-to-be-steered-by-ai/article33271654.ece?homepage=true