Introducing the WASP: The First AI-Designed Firearm

Cody Wilson, a prominent figure in the world of 3D-printed firearms, has made headlines again with the introduction of a new creation—a gun he claims is the first to be made using artificial intelligence. Dubbed the WASP, this firearm is a new addition to Wilson’s portfolio, which has already pushed boundaries in gun design and accessibility.

Testing the Waters

On a recent testing day at the Defense Distributed headquarters in Austin, Texas, I witnessed the unveiling of the WASP. Positioned about 20 feet away, I watched as the team clamped the gun to a makeshift mount, ready for its inaugural shot. The WASP, a .22 caliber handgun, looks more like a simple assembly of components than a sophisticated firearm. It features a basic barrel connected to a plastic casing, and its design has notable quirks, including an unusual grip that raises questions about its usability.

As Wilson crouched behind a protective shield, he prepared to fire. I expected a loud bang, but instead, a clicking sound echoed in the air. The gun had misfired. “This didn’t happen last time,” Wilson remarked, as he quickly adjusted the mechanism for a second shot, which finally produced a sound more akin to a firecracker. The first test yielded a modest success, hitting its target, but the overall performance left much to be desired.

AI as a Gunsmith

When asked about the motivation behind creating the WASP, Wilson defended the innovative concept. “What we’ve developed is not just an AI-generated gun; it’s an AI capable of generating guns,” he explained. He introduced GatGPT, a custom AI tool that he claims can produce unique firearms designs by interpreting vast datasets of gun files.

GatGPT relies on materials from DEFCAD, the largest digital library of gun designs and components. While Wilson argues that these files represent a form of protected speech, lawmakers and safety advocates express concern that such tools could lower the barriers to illegal gun production, bypassing traditional checks and regulations.

A Growing Concern

Under current US federal law, licensed manufacturers must serialize firearm components. However, advocates within the 3D-printed gun movement argue that these digital schematics should not be classified as firearms themselves. The fundamental debate—whether gun files constitute free speech—has seen various court interpretations, and it may soon escalate to a Supreme Court decision.

Critics like Everytown's senior vice president Justin Wagner have voiced strong disapproval of Wilson’s work, emphasizing that lowering entry barriers to gun design can lead to dangerous outcomes. “He wants anyone, regardless of their legal status, to be able to design and manufacture weapons, and that’s dangerous,” Wagner commented.

Meanwhile, Wilson’s recent developments include tools aimed at circumventing government efforts to implement firearm-detection technology in 3D printers. His so-called “Hochulization” method alters digital file identifiers to avoid detection, raising further safety concerns.

The Future of Gun Production

Wilson is optimistic about the future capabilities of AI-generated firearms. He believes that continual user interaction with GatGPT can enhance the design quality and functionality of these guns. However, experts in the firearms field express skepticism. They note that while the WASP is a novel approach, design flaws such as an incomplete trigger guard and an uncomfortable grip highlight that AI-generated firearms may still lack reliability.

As Wilson acknowledges, a fully formed weapon hinges on its digital origins. “This thing lives first as a digital organism,” he said, emphasizing the transformative aspect of AI in modern gun design. The WASP, while innovative, highlights the ongoing and complex debate surrounding firearm accessibility, safety, and regulation, underscoring the dual-edged nature of technological advancement.