Artificial Intelligence and the US Military: Foe or Ally?

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad computer science field that creates intelligent machines designed to accomplish tasks that usually require human intelligence. Visually all industries are trying to use AI to enhance their business. Even casinos are starting to use this technology. Check out some excellent sites and learn about online casinos games.

For years, AI has been a part of human lives. Giant corporations like Google and Amazon use this tool to build a substantial commercial empire to anticipate their customers’ needs and wants before they do.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funnels money into core areas of AI research on behalf of the United States military. However, the defense establishment quickly realized that its AI needs are still incomplete to address certain military concerns. So, the Pentagon reached out to Silicon Valley, asking for assistance in providing them with the tools it would require to handle an ever-increasing volume of data.

Employees at some corporations were seriously uncomfortable about the US military persuading the companies to let them use their research. Google is one of the corporations to withdraw their cooperation with the defense establishment.



Loyal Wingmen or Killer Robots?

While the much-touted concept of “Killer Robots” – ruthless machines chasing down humans and “eliminating” them for reasons unknown to them – has captured the public imagination, the AI’s current focus couldn’t be further from that.

According to a recent report on AI’s military applications, the technology is critical to delivering robotic assistance on the battleground, allowing forces to retain or widen warfighting capabilities without additional manpower.

With this in mind, robotic systems will perform tasks considered too dangerous for humans, like mine clearance, unmanned supply convoys, or air-to-air aircraft refueling. Moreover, it will be a “force multiplier,” allowing the same number of people to do and achieve more.

The idea of the AI robot “Loyal Wingman” being created for the US Air Force is an example of this concept. This pilotless jet is programmed to fly along with a human-piloted jet. It can fight off the enemy, complete its mission, or assist the human pilot. It would serve as an AI bodyguard to defend the manned aircraft. Moreover, it is also programmed to sacrifice itself if necessary to save the human pilot.

As AI power grows, the push for systems to become self-sufficient will only grow stronger. Currently, militaries want a human to be involved in the decision-making process. However, these communication channels are possible targets during a war – remove the head, and the body will not think. Most of the drones currently in use worldwide would lose their key functions if the data link that connects them to the human operator were severed.

However, this may not be the case for the unarmed high-end intelligence-collecting drone Global Hawk does not require a susceptible data link to carry out “orders.” This allows it to go into highly contested airspaces to gather crucial information without fear of being shot down. Money is pouring into new self-flying systems like Russia’s Sukhoi S70 or France’s Dassault Neuron – both semi-stealthy combat drone designs – making them significantly more resilient in the event of a future battle.

AI Algorithms

Because of their data processing and quick reactions, artificial intelligence programs and systems keep on evolving. AI air-to-air refueling aircraft can keep themselves stable in weather conditions where human pilots can’t. They also have better flight records than the latter. Moreover, AI “pilots” are beating human “pilots” in dogfight and war games simulations.

In the long run, when AI military systems develop, they will have a better track record of success, which will make them more acceptable to human operators. The US military will gradually rely on AI technology that is faster at detecting threats than they are. The information received and processed about its environment determines how well an AI system performs. When given additional information, it will perceive, analyze, and respond with more accuracy.

On the other hand, the flight is the easiest environment for machines to comprehend. This is where AI and relatively sophisticated systems have made their first breakthroughs thanks to simple rules, a low chance of an accident, and generally direct pathways to and from the area of operations.

On top of that, money and research have already been poured into maritime systems. Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are a significant advancement since they operate in a more complicated environment where marine life and surface traffic may obscure sensor readings. Near-silent, stealthy systems and almost undetectable, these systems can be immersed virtually indefinitely.

Military planners have a tantalizing glimpse of victory on the battlefield thanks to the innovation of military AI, which gives systems increasing autonomy. However, the weapons themselves and the countermeasures in a near-future war generally remain untested.

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