The rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is poised to play an ever-increasing role in the development of next-generation military systems, explains Computer Weekly. A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) says that nuclear-armed states will leverage AI, digital and cyber technologies to enhance their national security apparatus.
But the report The impact of artificial intelligence on strategic stability and nuclear risk (Euro-Atlantic perspectives) also gives the concerns raised by defence and technology experts. Some believe the potential benefits of rapid military adoption of advanced AI systems may prove irresistible to some nuclear-armed states. One fear is that some may choose to lower the level of their safety systems and reliability standards to maintain or develop a technological edge over their competitors.
But the wider deployment of AI and associated technologies by world militaries, it explains, is not taking place in a legal vacuum, as States are bound by legal checks and balances in the use of such technologies. “The world is undergoing a fourth industrial revolution, characterised by rapid and converging advances in multiple technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, nano technology, bio technology and digital fabrication,” it says. On the other hand, AI systems have a number of limitations that make their potential use problematic from ethical, legal and security perspectives.
To read more about the report see here, and download a copy here.
There are also links to further reading on AI use in the Nordics: how governments of the Nordic and Baltic region want to work closer together to further increase the status of AI in business and society; how industry and academia in Norway are working together to boost the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities; how the authorities for Finnish city Espoo are testing out AI technology to help them target services at the residents who need them most.
Suppliers in the field of global military artificial intelligence and cybernetics are included in this post.