USA Defense Department Signs $885 million AI Contract

Source: WSJ/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES

The United States Department of Defense has signed a $885 million AI contract with Booz Allen Hamilton. This represents the first time the U.S Department of Defense will utilize large-scale AI to potentially augment the efforts of military members and automate tasks. The contract will also be focused on AI pilot programs that have already begun such as the treatment of brain injuries. The AI systems are not intended to replace employees but rather augment and facilitate their jobs. Gartner Inc has forecasted that AI augmentation will save 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity and create $2.9 trillion in business value.

The AI systems could assist military members in tasks such as the identification of objects and basic labeling. Military doctors could also receive assistance in reducing false positives in health scans and the detection of cancerous growths. Although the specifics of the contract are still being built, it is clear that the contract is intended to bring "AI augmentation" services to the U.S Department of Defense. Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton Josh Sullivan said that the contract is intended to "make sure our government has the access to the best technology and using it responsibly in service of our citizens and warfighters." Sullivan also said that the technology will help the U.S Department of Defense compete with other counties, including Russia and China.  


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