The U.S. military is starting to lose a high-tech advantage as China and Russia develop sophisticated artificial intelligence, Pentagon officials warned a House subcommittee last week.
The hearing held special significance for Colorado Springs defense subcontractor Polaris Alpha, which last May won a $2.3 million Defense Department contract to develop artificial intelligence systems.
If Congress approves more spending on artificial intelligence, Polaris Alpha is likely to be among the winners.
The House Armed Services subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities listened to Pentagon officials describe China’s strategic plan for increasing spending on artificial intelligence, or “AI.”
Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that develops intelligent machines that work and react like humans, ideally with faster responses and smaller margins for error. Facial recognition technology and self-driving cars are examples.
It is used by the Defense Department to identify and respond to military threats and aggression.