How the Chinese military uses ‘human abacuses’ to counter smart device failures

China is harnessing an ancient mental calculation technique to train soldiers as “human abacuses” for high-stakes combat scenarios where advanced technology might fail.

The initiative reflects China’s strategic push to blend traditional methods, such as the abacus and paper-based calculations, with modern warfare tactics.

The state broadcaster showed a recent drill simulating radar failure in which Xu predicted the trajectories of three targets in just seconds by analysing their direction, altitude and speed using mental mathematical techniques and analogue tools. Her calculations enabled precise targeting, showcasing the technique’s effectiveness, CCTV reported in the programme first aired in August.

Captain Xu Meiduo has mastered abacus calculation techniques and traditional tools, such as paper, pen and ruler, as part of China’s strategic push to blend ancient methods with modern warfare tactics. Photo: CCTV

The programme highlighting Xu’s skills has been aired repeatedly, aligning with China’s high-profile Victory Day grand military parade on September 3 and National Day celebrations on October 1, moments designed to bolster domestic confidence.

South China Morning Post