Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered a topic of the future. But in some companies and industries, it is already part of everyday life, as a survey by tagesschau.de among German business associations shows.
According to a survey conducted by the TÜV Association among more than 1,000 people, almost one in four Germans has already used ChatGPT—including for professional purposes. Artificial intelligence (AI) could bring about significant changes, especially in the labor market. Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) believes that starting in 2035, there will no longer be a job that has anything to do with AI.
In the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023,” around three-quarters of companies recently stated that they wanted to use corresponding technologies by 2027. However, many companies have long been working with AI—for example, to save costs or counteract the shortage of skilled workers. But which sectors are we talking about?
One in seven companies is already using artificial intelligence AI.
“Whether machine translation, predictive maintenance, or personalized marketing – the scope of AI extends across almost all economic sectors and business areas,” says the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). According to their digitalization survey, around 14 per cent of the more than 1,000 companies surveyed used AI across industries in February of this year. A plan of 23 percent is to introduce it within three years.
“There are already enormous application possibilities for all professional groups that can increase productivity,” explains Roman Fessler, business coach for so-called generative AI, in which texts, images, or videos are created automatically. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, this type of artificial intelligence AI alone could increase by 2.4 to 4.1 trillion euros worldwide. However, there has long been fear that many people could lose their jobs.
According to Fessler, text robots like ChatGPT and Bard or image generators like Stable Diffusion can save time. “The interesting thing about these models is their universal applicability. Even in a family-r business, an AI-based chatbot can take over parts of the accounting, writing offers or communication,” says the expert in an interview with tagesschau.de. However, he receives a considerable number of inquiries from social media agencies and from marketing departments of companies.
Robots in bank customer serviceartificial intelligence AI
This observation corresponds to the DIHK survey. At the top is the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, where more than a quarter of companies already use AI. “All of our member companies, such as agencies, media, marketers and platforms, are already working or will be working with AI solutions shortly,” reports the Federal Association of the Digital Economy (BVDW). AI is used, for example, in translations, summaries and when writing your own texts and descriptions of products. The technology is also used for image editing, creating presentations and writing programming code for software.
The financial sector follows second with 24 per cent. “Artificial intelligence in banking can be used in risk management, identifying money laundering, securities trading and chatbots,” says the Federal Association of German Banks (BdB). According to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), artificial intelligence AI is already part of everyday life in insurance companies – especially in customer service and claims settlement.
“By using artificial intelligence AI-based systems, insurance companies can assess and compensate claims more quickly but also more accurately,” says GDV Managing Director Jörg Asmussen to tagesschau.de. This reduces costs but also ensures more efficient identification of fraud cases. According to the eDIHK, other application areas include checking identities and analyzing key figures.
Importance in the industry is growing.
In industry, 13 per cent of companies already use artificial intelligence AI, and 26 per cent are planning to do so. According to the DIHK, the technology is used here to maintain systems and ensure quality. This involves irregularities in complex machine data and automatically detecting errors.
The Association of the Electrical and Digital Industry(ZVEI) also refers to trend analyses and the use of AI-based chat programs to formulate operating instructions. AI is also already being used in train maintenance: by evaluating usage, infrastructure, weather, and traffic data, reliability will be increased, and downtimes will be reduced. Deutsche Bahn uses self-developed software based on artificial intelligence to limit delays in the rail network.
Which rolls are in demand?
In the automotive industry, AI plays a central role, especially in autonomous cars, as the Association of the Automotive Industry(VDA) reports. Complex AI systems analyse sensor data and are supposed to recognise traffic situations. “In driver assistance systems, AI is used, for example, in adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistants and emergency braking assistants,” said a VDA spokesman.
AI is also playing an increasing role in food production. Image recognition programs can detect incorrectly delivered raw materials. Bakeries use cash register data to determine the busiest times and the types of bread rolls in exceptionally high demand.
Weather data for ordering goods
Only six percent of companies currently use artificial intelligence (AI) applications in construction. Road construction companies use them to calculate the volume of bulk material piles. Specific programs are intended to help record structural damage or examine roofs needing renovation.
The Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) refers to a butcher shop in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that, together with the Fraunhofer Institute, developed an AI-based tool for ordering goods. Using modern software, “the sales statistics from previous years were combined with other factors such as the weather or holidays,” and production was thereby adjusted.
In wholesale and foreign trade, “companies are increasingly taking advantage of the opportunities offered by using artificial intelligence,” reports the Federal Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA). Many companies are still just starting out. Possible areas of application include planning inventory or analysing purchasing decisions.
Use as a laboratory messenger artificial intelligence AI.
A new generation of AI-based service robots could become more critical – for example, in retail or catering. The Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA) points out that such robots are already used for laboratory automation.
A Bochum company, together with a Munich AI robotics company, is equipping the first hospitals with autonomous robots that will transport and sort blood, urine, or stool samples. Artificial intelligence is intended to ensure better processes and help with interaction with caregivers.
Benefits Of Artificial Intelligence In The Military
The use of artificial intelligence in military operations has garnered significant attention, with the potential to enhance the capabilities of U.S. warfighters. Over the past year, AI has seen notable advancements, particularly in generative AI. The widespread availability of generative AI to the public means that potential adversaries also have access to this technology, necessitating the U.S. military to adapt to evolving threats.
The military must keep pace with these advancements to ensure security and maintain a technological advantage. Given the continuous development of new AI applications, it can be challenging to stay updated on how AI can support military functions. As AI becomes increasingly crucial, military superiority will not solely depend on the size of the armed forces, but on the performance of AI algorithms. Thus, it is important to examine current and potential future applications of AI in the military.
AI involves the creation of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision making, and language translation. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they are being increasingly utilized across various domains, from automated customer service to smart speakers.
Recent times have witnessed significant strides in AI, particularly in natural language processing (NLP), enabling humans to communicate with machines using conventional language rather than needing to input code. These advancements have resulted in enhanced accuracy and fluency in processing requests for customized text or images. Additionally, there have been notable progress in computer vision, with improved techniques for analyzing images and videos. Progress has also been made in using AI for decision-making and autonomous systems.
These developments present opportunities for the military to expand the use of AI in various applications. Hence, the question arises: how can AI benefit the military? The U.S. military has integrated AI into its operations for many years, predating its widespread civilian use. As AI continues to evolve, it has the ability to execute complex tasks with minimal human intervention, although human oversight remains essential. From data processing to combat simulation, AI finds application in diverse military functions.
AI can offer numerous advantages to the military, encompassing warfare systems, strategic decision-making, data processing and research, combat simulation, target recognition, threat monitoring, drone swarms, cybersecurity, transportation, as well as casualty care and evacuation.
The integration of AI into military operations has become indispensable, and its significance is expected to grow further. Recognizing the potential of AI is essential for leveraging it in modern military functions, along with an understanding of the security risks and ethical considerations that may arise. A recent update in the Pentagon’s autonomous weapon policy underscores the Department of Defense’s commitment to addressing these concerns to ensure that AI serves the objectives of the U.S. military.
A notable recent development in AI is the widespread availability of generative AI. Particularly noteworthy is the progress in large language models, enabling applications such as ChatGPT to generate responses in a conversational format based on user prompts. These advances include the generation of photorealistic images from text inputs alone, and ongoing development in video capabilities. Apart from developing its own technologies, the military examines technological advancements, including those utilized by the general public, to understand their potential risks and benefits.
One driving force behind the exciting advances in AI is the emergence of multimodal AI, enabling a single AI system to process and interact with inputs in the form of text, images, audio, and video simultaneously. This development allows AI to interact more similarly to humans than ever before and broadens its range of applications. It also underscores the need for transparency in understanding how AI models function and recognizing potential threats posed by bad actors utilizing these highly advanced systems.
The recent advancements of language learning models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and PaLM represent a major milestone in the progress of AI. LLMs currently demonstrate convincingly human-like language abilities, along with the capacity to learn from their interactions with humans. Their capability to generate text for specific purposes, with a particular tone and perspective, by engaging in a conversation with the user, facilitates a more seamless human-AI interaction and delivers improved results.
Nevertheless, due to the potential confusion between AI-generated text and human-generated text, there is a risk of misuse. For instance, generative AI has been utilized in phishing schemes, so it’s important for organizations and individuals to take precautions, particularly by educating people to recognize signs that communications may have originated from AI. However, achieving a 100% success rate in this may not be feasible. This underscores the importance of providing training on how to implement a response plan in the event of social engineering attacks.
The arrival of LLMs with unparalleled natural language capabilities has numerous practical applications. Organizations, including the military, can utilize LLMs to automate text-based interactions that would otherwise consume personnel resources. For example, the ability of LLMs to produce high-quality text can expedite and streamline tasks such as report writing.
LLMs hold promise for document analysis and summarization, which, in collaboration with humans, can assist the military in deriving insights from intelligence. Similarly, LLMs can aid in research by answering questions and providing synthesized insights from data. As these models and artificial intelligence as a whole continue to progress, the military is poised to discover countless uses for the versatile linguistic skills of LLMs to address a variety of needs.
A DISCUSSION OF MILITARY UTILIZATIONS OF AI and The Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in the Military
Every aspect of military operations, from planning campaigns to transporting troops, from training personnel to providing medical care, can benefit from the support of AI. However, for these systems to be effective, they must be implemented in accordance with best practices and tailored to the specific task at hand.
MILITARY SYSTEMS
Military systems such as weapons, sensors, navigation, aviation support, and surveillance can integrate AI to enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on human input. This increased efficiency can lead to reduced maintenance requirements for these systems. Removing the necessity for complete human control of military systems decreases the potential impact of human error and frees up human resources for other critical tasks.
Specifically concerning weaponry, the Pentagon recently updated its policy on autonomous weapons to accommodate recent AI advancements. Given the technological progress made since the policy’s initial creation in 2012, this update outlines guidelines for the ethical and safe development and use of autonomous weapons, one of the most valuable military applications of AI. In addition to review and testing requirements, the policy establishes a working group focused on autonomous weapons systems to advise the Department of Defense (DoD).
DRONE GROUPS
One of the most compelling evolving uses of AI in the military involves leveraging swarm intelligence for drone operations. These drone swarms offer inherent advantages over individual drones for several reasons. When a drone receives crucial information, it can act on it or communicate it to other drones in the swarm. These swarms can be utilized in simulations as well as real training operations, and they have the ability to make decisions in various scenarios, with the swarm having an overarching objective while the individual drones can act independently and innovatively toward it.
AI-controlled drone swarms are programmed to emulate the behavior of natural insect swarms. For example, when a bee discovers something beneficial for the hive, it conveys detailed information to other bees. The drones are capable of the same behavior, communicating the distance, direction, and altitude of a target, as well as any potential threats, similar to how a bee operates. The ability to employ AI-powered drone swarms to utilize this collective intelligence for military objectives represents a pivotal frontier in the military applications of AI.
STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
One of the most significant benefits of artificial intelligence in the military involves a domain where military commanders may be reluctant to let AI participate: assisting with strategic decision-making. AI algorithms can gather and process data from diverse sources to support decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations. In many instances, AI systems can rapidly and efficiently analyze a situation and make optimal decisions in critical scenarios.
AI has the potential to counteract prejudices associated with human input, although it may not fully understand human ethical concerns and could learn from biases in its database. Nonetheless, AI can work with humans to facilitate decision making during high-pressure situations. By combining human ethical understanding and AI’s quick analytical abilities, the decision-making process can be expedited.
In military settings, generative AI can aid in decision making by efficiently sorting through large volumes of data to identify connections, patterns, and potential implications. This information can be presented to human decision makers in both report formats and through conversations, thereby promoting collaboration between humans and AI.
AI can generate simulations to test potential scenarios, enabling more informed decision making. After receiving this information from AI, humans can utilize their understanding of ethical principles, national security interests, and situational nuances to achieve optimal outcomes.
With careful human oversight, generative AI has the potential to enhance strategic thinking for military leaders. When implementing AI for decision making, it’s important to address biases, real-world conditions, data security, and ensuring AI complements human judgment while adhering to regulations and ethics.
DATA PROCESSING AND RESEARCH
AI’s capabilities can add significant value in processing large volumes of data, offering quick filtering and selection of valuable information. It also assists in organizing information from diverse datasets, enabling military personnel to identify patterns, draw accurate conclusions, and create action plans based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Generative AI’s analytical capabilities enable it to uncover connections in vast amounts of data that may go unnoticed by humans. Through natural language processing (NLP), AI models can communicate this information to humans in a conversational manner and engage in dialogue to provide explanations.
AI can efficiently filter through extensive content from news and social media sources, aiding in the identification of new information while saving time for analysts. Additionally, AI systems eliminate repetitive and inaccurate information, optimizing the research process and reducing human error.
Generative AI expedites the analysis of critical information, organizing massive datasets and uncovering connections between seemingly unrelated data points. It also enables the rapid generation and comparison of numerous scenarios, allowing military leaders to formulate strategies and prepare for contingencies.
Furthermore, generative models quickly compare intelligence with existing knowledge and research, making useful suggestions to enhance predictions. While final strategic decisions will still be made by humans, AI collaboration enables military leaders to gain a more detailed understanding of current and future events.
COMBAT SIMULATION and Training
The U.S. Army has long utilized military training simulation software, combining systems engineering, software engineering, and computer science to create digitized models for soldiers’ training. This software functions as a virtual “wargame,” providing soldiers with realistic missions and tasks to prepare them for real-life situations.
AI-enabled language models have the potential to enhance military training and educational programs. These models can analyze training manuals and other resources to generate new training materials such as notes, quizzes, and study guides. Additionally, AI can assess students’ individual abilities and tailor training to meet their specific needs. Using natural language processing (NLP), generative AI can provide answers to students’ questions and explain concepts just as a human instructor would.
By processing large volumes of intelligence data and records of past combat experiences, AI can develop more comprehensive training, including detailed military simulations. Conversational AI can offer personalized feedback to assist students in improving their skills and to help commanding officers identify areas where a particular student may need help.
While AI offers numerous benefits for military training, it should not completely replace human instructors. To prevent issues like bias or misinformation, AI-generated materials should always be reviewed by leadership, who should ultimately evaluate students’ skills. Human instructors should determine the overall syllabus, while AI can create personalized lessons for review.
With AI’s assistance, instructors can develop and administer more effective training programs by providing individualized attention to students and by doing so more efficiently due to AI’s processing speed.
How Sentient Digital Utilizes LLM in Military Simulations
Sentient Digital is applying advanced AI-based technology to support military objectives. Our naval wargaming simulation, Fleet Emergence, uses cutting-edge LLM and ACI architecture. The simulation’s sophistication lies in the complex scenarios the LLM can generate, as well as its ability to produce realistic communications and responses akin to real-life adversaries.
Importantly, combat simulation is far safer than real combat, reducing the risk of casualties during training. This allows soldiers to experience realistic warfare scenarios without endangering their lives. These virtual environments help soldiers learn to handle weapons, make decisions under pressure, and collaborate with their team.
AI-based simulations not only train soldiers but also personalize training programs and provide fair assessments to make future program adjustments. They can also save time and money by being more efficient in certain tasks than humans. Explore our innovative AI model, Strat Agent, which acts as a modern battlefield commander for combat simulations.
TARGET IDENTIFICATION
Artificial intelligence can enhance target recognition accuracy in combat environments. It can improve systems’ ability to identify target positions and help defense forces gain a detailed understanding of operational areas by swiftly aggregating and analyzing reports, documents, and news.
Through generative AI’s conversational capabilities, military decision-makers can engage in two-way discussions to ensure the most relevant information surfaces. AI systems can predict enemy behavior, anticipate vulnerabilities, assess mission strategies, and suggest mitigation plans, saving time and human resources and ensuring soldiers stay ahead of their targets.
However, human decision-making remains essential.
THREAT SURVEILLANCE
Threat monitoring and situational awareness operations leverage AI to aid defense personnel in monitoring threats. Unmanned systems, including drones, use AI to recognize threats and enhance the security of military bases, ultimately increasing soldiers’ safety in combat.
CYBERSECURITY
AI can be very helpful in protecting highly secure military systems from cyber attacks. Even the most secure systems can be vulnerable, and AI can assist in protecting classified information, preventing system damage, and ensuring the safety of military personnel and missions. It has the ability to safeguard programs, data, networks, and computers from unauthorized access. Additionally, AI can study patterns of cyber attacks and develop defensive strategies to combat them. These systems can detect potential malware behaviors well before they enter a network.
Generative AI can also improve cybersecurity in military settings through its analysis, scenario generation, and communication capabilities. By analyzing large amounts of data and identifying patterns, generative AI can detect potential threats and use predictive analytics to anticipate future attacks. However, it’s important to be cautious as generative AI in the wrong hands can pose threats, such as the potential for attackers to misuse generative models for social engineering.
The military should address this concern through ongoing training and mitigation plans. When used appropriately and under close supervision, generative AI can enhance cyber defense, even for crucial military applications.
Just as in other areas, advanced AI has both positive and negative effects on cybersecurity. While its ability to create malware can be dangerous, AI can also assist in detecting and mitigating these threats. In essence, the military uses AI to counter adversaries who also have access to AI. Therefore, it’s crucial for the military to have access to advanced and tailored AI cybersecurity solutions to remain safe in an ever-evolving landscape of AI-driven cybersecurity risks.
TRANSPORTATION
AI can play a role in transporting ammunition, goods, armaments, and troops, which is essential for military operations. It can help lower transportation costs and reduce the need for human input by finding the most efficient route under current conditions.
Furthermore, AI can proactively identify issues within military fleets to enhance their performance. As advancements in computer vision and autonomous decision-making continue, self-driving vehicle technology may also become useful in military operations.
CASUALTY CARE AND EVACUATION
AI can aid soldiers and medics in high-stress situations when providing medical treatment to wounded service members. The battlefield environment presents numerous challenges to delivering medical care, and AI can assist by analyzing the situation and providing recommendations for the best course of action.
By accessing a comprehensive medical database, this type of AI can provide indications, warnings, and treatment suggestions based on data from medical trauma cases. However, it’s important to note that AI lacks the understanding of emotional and contextual factors involved in life or death situations , and therefore requires human guidance to make effective decisions. While AI can offer rapid analysis, human judgment based on emotional considerations is essential for making appropriate decisions in these critical situations.
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