HEDGE: Heterogeneous Ensemble for Detection of AI-GEnerated Images in the Wild
This work addresses the robustness challenges in detecting AI-generated images under real-world conditions, where rapid model evolution and diverse distortions degrade detector performance. To this end, the authors propose a three-way heterogeneous ensemble architecture that introduces structured heterogeneity across backbone networks (DINOv3 and MetaCLIP2), training strategies, and input resolutions. The framework incorporates a high-resolution, fine-grained forensic branch alongside progressive data augmentation and features a lightweight dual-gating mechanism for adaptive logit-space fusion. Evaluated in the NTIRE 2026 Robust AIGC Detection Challenge, the method secured fourth place and achieves state-of-the-art performance across multiple benchmarks, demonstrating significantly enhanced generalization and robustness.