Cody Wilson Unveils AI-Generated WASP Gun Design via GatGPT Platform
The founder of Defense Distributed has unveiled a new AI model called GatGPT that generates 3D-printable firearm designs, starting with a flawed prototype named WASP.
Key points
- Cody Wilson unveiled GatGPT, an AI system described as generating untraceable firearm blueprints for 3D printing.
- The first output, named WASP, features design flaws including an incomplete trigger guard and an inverted grip.
- Wilson previously pleaded guilty to injury to a child in 2019 and resigned from Defense Distributed.
Cody Wilson, the founder of the Texas-based non-profit Defense Distributed, has unveiled a new artificial intelligence model called GatGPT that generates designs for 3D-printed firearms. According to Gizmodo, the system produced a prototype named WASP, which Wilson claims is the world’s first AI-made gun. This development marks a shift from his earlier manual blueprint publishing efforts to automated design generation.
The WASP design exhibits visible inconsistencies that experts note. A firearms historian and gun consultant interviewed by The Verge noted that the AI appears to have started creating a trigger guard but left it unfinished, exposing the trigger without apparent reason. The consultant also observed that the gun’s grip is inverted, suggesting the model produces uncanny imitations rather than functional weapons.
Background on Defense Distributed and Wilson
Defense Distributed gained international notoriety in the mid-2010s for publishing digital blueprints that allowed users to manufacture firearms using 3D printers. The organization’s mission focuses on increasing access to gun ownership, a stance that has drawn legal and public scrutiny. The group’s website currently states that no warrants have been served to its principals or employees since January 1, 2022, and no searches or seizures of assets have occurred.
Wilson’s personal history includes serious legal troubles that impacted his role in the organization. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to charges of injury to a child, leading to his resignation from Defense Distributed. Following his departure, he spent several years involved in various cryptocurrency ventures and sunset a right-wing crowdfunding platform called Hatreon. His return to the firearms space with AI technology has renewed attention on his activities.
Technical Flaws and Public Reaction
The release of GatGPT and the WASP design has sparked debate about the capabilities and dangers of generative AI in weapon manufacturing. Critics argue that the technology lowers the technical barrier for creating ghost guns, potentially enabling untraceable firearm production. However, the visible design errors in the WASP prototype suggest that current AI models may not yet produce reliable or safe mechanical components.
The Verge reported that the AI’s output resembles early generative media experiments, where the result looks superficially similar to the target but lacks internal logic. The unfinished trigger guard and inverted grip are cited as evidence that the system is still in a rudimentary stage. Despite these flaws, the mere existence of an automated design tool raises concerns about future iterations that could correct these errors.
What should you do?
Security professionals and policymakers should monitor developments in AI-generated manufacturing tools, particularly those related to untraceable weapons. Organizations involved in 3D printing services may need to review their content filtering and verification protocols to detect and block suspicious design files. Law enforcement agencies should track the distribution of AI-generated blueprints to assess potential threats.
Background: Generative AI
Generative AI examples include text completion, image synthesis and code generation. These systems predict the next likely token based on vast training datasets. Understanding the underlying mechanics helps you identify risks like data leakage and hallucination in your infrastructure.
Read the full guide: Generative AI Examples: Mechanisms, Risks and Control
What to do and how to stay safe: Cody Wilson
- Monitor official channels from law enforcement for updates on illegal firearm manufacturing trends involving AI.
- Review organizational policies on 3D printing services to ensure robust screening for prohibited design files.
- Stay informed about regulatory changes regarding the distribution of digital firearm blueprints and AI tools.
- Report any suspicious online activity related to the generation or distribution of untraceable weapon designs.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What is GatGPT?
GatGPT is an AI model created by Cody Wilson that generates designs for 3D-printed firearms, with WASP being its first output.
Is the WASP gun functional?
Experts note significant design flaws, including an incomplete trigger guard and inverted grip, suggesting it may not be fully functional.
What is Cody Wilson’s background?
Wilson founded Defense Distributed, which published 3D-printed gun blueprints, and pleaded guilty to injury to a child in 2019.
