An artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of discerning between real nuclear warheads and fake ones (decoys) has been developed by a team of scientists from the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) — reportedly marking the first time in the world that AI has been used for such an arms control task, its developers noted.

To test and train the AI system, the researchers first required access to highly sensitive nuclear data, including details about real warheads.

Source: USNI

“Due to the classified nature of nuclear warheads and component designs, specific data cannot be disclosed here,” the CIAE team explained.

Dubbed the “Verification Technical Scheme for Deep Learning Algorithm Based on Interactive Zero Knowledge Protocol,” the AI system reportedly uses a combination of advanced encryption and nuclear science.

Specifically, the team ran millions of computer simulations of nuclear components, some of which included real weapon-grade uranium and others that were similar to the real thing but that instead used harmless materials such as lead or low-enriched uranium.

Further, the team employed a deep learning system to examine the movement of neutrons through those materials. After some time, the AI was able to accurately distinguish real warheads from fake warheads.