Defense technology startup ZeroMark is planning to make a computer-aided modification to guns that will improve their aim against drones.
Many thousands of ultra-cheap, ultra-fast drones conduct autonomous “suicide” missions to deliver explosives to enemy territory, dominating modern warfare. Although private enterprises have made hasty efforts to develop counter-UAS technology, these solutions frequently prove inadequate, forcing riflemen to rely on visual inspection to strike these targets.
ZeroMark aims to provide these soldiers with an improved system—one that can be rapidly affixed to almost any infantry rifle in approximately thirty seconds—and which increases the shooter’s likelihood of eliminating the drones.
Two components comprise the “fire control system,” as described by ZeroMark: a motorized buttstock and a compact computer equipped with sensors such as electro-optical and lidar devices. In a recent interview, Joel Anderson, the chief executive officer of the startup, stated that the system simplifies the task of intercepting a small drone at a distance of 200 yards to that of striking a circle with a diameter of 60 feet. This action is achievable by nearly any individual.
Subtle in nature, the system employs machine vision to forecast objects such as the drone’s trajectory and performs ballistic calculations to optimize shoots by a fraction of a degree, thereby guaranteeing accurate landings.
Anderson explained, “[The mechanized buttstock] does not move the soldier’s arm; rather, it generates an angular change in the bore axis (which is ultimately where the gun is pointed) through a virtual pivot between the shoulder pad and handheld positions.” “The control systems are designed to account for various human factors, including proprioception, noise, movement, torque, and more, in addition to the drone’s movement.” Therefore, once you indicate a general direction of the drone that places you in its vicinity, the system will proceed accordingly.
After graduating from high school and enlisting in the United States Navy, Anderson ultimately entered the private sector and assumed the roles of MongoDB’s inaugural CISO and CIO. According to him, he recognized an opportunity to enhance the dismounted soldier’s capabilities after he drove his Full Self-Driving-enabled Tesla to a shooting range and realized that marksmanship lacked the same level of automation as driving.
“I found it mind-boggling that I had never witnessed so much technology in a basic consumer vehicle as I had witnessed in the Navy or throughout the DOD, particularly for dismounted soldiers,” he explained. “I realized that there is a tremendous opportunity for technology to provide soldiers with a competitive edge that is currently non-existent.”
He demonstrated the fire control system prototype to David Ulevitch and Katherine Boyle, partners in Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism fund. In response to their desire for more, Anderson launched ZeroMark in September 2022.
Even though ZeroMark’s technology sounds like something from “Iron Man,” there are legitimate concerns about systems straying into the wrong hands in the real world. While the startup primarily concentrates on countering offensive drones, it is not implausible that this technology could be modified to strike targets more precisely, such as individuals.
Anderson recognized the contentious nature of the concept of a “gun that never misses,” and as a result, the organization withdrew its efforts to sell to domestic police forces. He said, “Neither the world nor I are prepared for that now.” “I do not want artificial intelligence weapons for law enforcement.” Recognizing the contemporary asymmetry in warfare, the organization shifted its focus to drones.
He added that the organization has developed robust licensing, remote activation, and fleet management functionalities to manage the systems.
Specific devices are presently operational, primarily in the service of private security firms that safeguard valuable assets such as large vessels. (pirates frequently employ UAVs to coerce crew members aboard.) Additionally, the company is in dialogue with the U.S. Department of Defense and is contemplating exporting the devices to Ukraine; Anderson stated that they hope to advance smaller-scale testing and evaluation as a precursor to a more extensive procurement due to these discussions.
Prominent venture capitalists have taken notice of the soldier-centric solution and are now willing to invest in defense technology enterprises. This week, ZeroMark announced that it had closed a $7 million seed funding round led by a16z and Ground Up Ventures in Israel and the United States. This capital will be allocated to research, development, and staffing (the team currently consists of seven individuals).
City of New York-based ZeroMark has no intention of remaining at the auto-aiming system level. Anderson stated he does not aspire to become the next prime minister of defense but rather “the prime who dominates every soldier system and every aspect of force protection.” Additionally, the same software can be implemented on platforms such as camera systems that can determine the payload of a drone, its owner, or its intended use. Over time, ZeroMark’s software might be seamlessly incorporated into head-up displays or an audible interface, furnishing the combatant with real-time information.
Large systems, such as aircraft carriers, are incapable of winning conflicts. They assist in the preservation of power, yet they fail to appoint Saddam Hussein, eliminate Osama bin Laden, repatriate hostages, or achieve victory in conflicts. “I want them to be as impregnable in the air as an F-22 Raptor is… individuals do.”
