PROJECT MAVEN: AI USED FOR TRAINING, THE BATTLEFIELD, HURRICANE RECOVERY
Artificial intelligence is leading to a shift of change in algorithmic warfare. Some might say that the overall character of war is not changing but the nature of it is. The effects of AI being used in warfare are empowering students from Marine Corps University to build and evaluate customized AI models in the classroom. Learn more about how Project Maven is promoting the use of AI technology across all branches of the US military. And, get the scoop on what is being done to prepare our Soldiers.
What Is the Maven Project?
The Department of Defense’s most reliable artificial intelligence tool is the Maven Project. The project focuses on building technology that advances algorithmic warfare systems. Thus, the Maven Project was created as a tool that could process drone footage quickly and in a useful way.
The Help of Our Good Friend Google
In most AI use cases, Google adds an additional layer of help. In 2018, it was reported that the Maven Project would be getting help from Google, specifically for the Pentagon to build AI technology for drones. Some Google employees were not too happy about this, because of the idea that the company would offer resources to the military that involved drone operations. Google was not the only company that had a contract with the Pentagon. Other notable companies would include: Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM. Consequently, this led to plenty of Google employees resigning from the company over its involvement with Project Maven in May of 2018.
Project Maven Is Transforming the Classroom Into a Battle Lab
While some might not enjoy going to class, the students at Marine Corps University feel differently. The university transformed the classroom into a battle lab. This is where students and faculty came together to build and test different types of AI models. Students built and customized AI models that would help the force with strategy, operations, and tactical missions.Additionally, Project Maven held lectures for resident and non-resident students to introduce them to algorithmic warfare. These discussions had a positive effect on students, helping them see the ins and outs of AI in warfare.
Machine Learning vs. Artificial Intelligence
The difference between machine learning and artificial intelligence is that machine learning is a broader category of AI. Artificial intelligence is to generate human thought and perform tasks in real-world environments. On the other hand, machine learning uses technologies and algorithms to identify patterns and make decisions.Both machine learning and artificial intelligence help companies take advantage of automating different manual processes that include data and decision-making. To be a little bit more specific about each of these, artificial intelligence is a way for technology to act human-like but above and beyond. On the other hand, machine learning is a pathway to artificial intelligence; it uses algorithms to gain insights and acknowledge data.
Key Part of Project Maven Used to Help With Recovery Following Hurricane Helene
One of the key parts of Project Maven is the Maven Smart System. This technology uses AI and ML to provide a geospatial visualization of data for military members and for the first time ever, the Army used it to assist FEMA following a disaster. The Army's 18th Airborne Corps put the Maven Smart System to use while helping FEMA and U.S. Northern Command during Hurricane Helene's recovery efforts. By doing so, authorities were able to better track road closures, cellular outages, and the needs of communities so that they could make better decisions. Many states within the Southeastern portion of the United States were forced to deal with roads being washed away, towns destroyed, and plenty of other forms of devastation following Helene and now Hurricane Milton.Landslides and floods have made it difficult to impossible to reach certain portions of Appalachia, which continue to need lifesaving resources, such as medical supplies and water, following the storm. The Pentagon is using Project Maven in many ways. This includes the technology that helps find targets on the battlefield through the use of the Maven Smart System. However, this new application is showcasing even more diverse usage for the military. The Maven Smart System is especially useful in areas with low communication to provide vital data to FEMA and saves time for a faster response. While this is a first for disaster recovery, the Maven Smart System was used during the COVID-19 pandemic as well. The future of Project Maven and all of its components continues to evolve.Future natural disasters and crises on and off of the battlefield are likely to continue to see its innovation help improve decision-making across the board in real time. Read next:
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Updated by Buddy Blouin