Robots replacing pilots are about to become a reality.

The PiBot robot is designed to fly aircraft without assistance, and can operate in areas too dangerous for humans.

PiBot practices flying a plane on a simulator. Photo: YouTube.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a robot called PiBot that can start an airplane's engine, control the plane on the runway, take off, land, and change direction, Popular Mechanics reported.

The most impressive thing about Pibot is that it does not require modifications to current standard aircraft models. Pibot can operate the joystick and all the switches and levers in a conventional aircraft cockpit. The ability to fly a standard aircraft gives PiBot a big advantage over other autopilot technologies that require modifications to the aircraft's control system.

PiBot can land successfully 80% of the time, which is quite high for a robot but not yet up to the standard required for real flight. The robot is practicing further on a simulator.

The team hopes to use PiBot to fly aircraft in dangerous areas and replace humans in the future.

According to VNE