Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis
Highlights
Introduction
Robots are probably the first idea that comes to mind when hearing the term artificial intelligence (AI). However, intelligent robots are only a small piece of the huge world of AI. The term "AI" is comprised of two words: "intelligence" and "artificial." "Intelligence" refers to the ability to comprehend and perform tasks, while "artificial" signifies something created by human effort rather than occurring naturally. Drawing on AI, machines can learn from their experience and adapt their skills to fulfill new tasks, as with human intelligence.
The significance and necessity of this research lies in understanding the contributions of AI technology to all aspects of life. The advantages of AI include numerous benefits such as time and cost savings, enhanced reliability, the ability to replace humans in harsh and hazardous environments, quick explanation and responsiveness, and the capacity to handle complex computations. AI has been increasingly employed in a broad range of applications in recent years. Therefore, it is argued that AI will dramatically affect the future of human societies.
Military sciences and industries continue to grow, with a focus on global evolutions. The study of novelties in the military sector is a major topic in strategic research. Different states, particularly international powers, seek to deploy the latest military technologies. AI, which is referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, is a major driver of exploiting innovation in contemporary military systems. Therefore, the authors of this study believe that it is worthwhile to evaluate the military applications of AI technology.
The main question of the present work is, "What are the military applications of AI?" It is hypothesized that AI can be deployed in autonomous military vehicles (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, and AUVs), autonomous weapons, targeting, and security and espionage applications.
Methodology
This work adopts a qualitative methodology and a descriptive-analytical approach in order to evaluate the military applications of AI in the United States and China as case studies.
Findings
AI refers to a broad range of disciplines, technologies, and methods that simulate human intelligence and can show intelligent behavior similar to that of humans. It is employed in several applications, including military, security, aerospace and aviation, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, software development, and robotics. The modern world is experiencing a paradigm shift in various industrial sectors thanks to advances in AI technology, particularly in machine learning and deep learning, and proof of its excellent capabilities. The military sector is among the most important fields where AI can be traced.
This study assesses the military applications of AI, with an emphasis on military equipment and operation environments. It makes a detailed analysis and categorization of the functions of AI-based military systems. Today, the military applications of AI often include autonomous military vehicles, autonomous weapons, targeting, and security/espionage. Unmanned autonomous vehicles used for military purposes are a major military application of AI; unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are supported by AI technology. Autonomous weapons use AI to identify, select, and attack human targets without human intervention. AI can also be employed in security applications, e.g., border security, cybersecurity, and military information.
Given the military competition between the two global superpowers, i.e., the United States and China, this study reviews the most recent achievements in AI-based military equipment in these two states. The United States ranks as the first military power in the world and seeks to preserve its competitive superiority in the military sector to cope with possible threats posed by countries such as its eastern rivals. China, on the other hand, has developed strategies to become the global hub of AI innovations in the near future. The United States sees the AI achievements of China in recent years as a threat and seeks to exploit its capacity to cope with this threat.
Conclusion
AI is a set of advanced technologies that enable machines to sense, perceive, act, and learn. Today, AI, particularly machine learning and deep learning, is increasingly employed in a variety of sciences and industries and has become a key instrument in the development of societies. As with other modern technologies, AI is employed in military applications, and global powers conduct extensive research on exploiting AI for military purposes. The major military applications of AI include autonomous vehicles used for military purposes (such as UAVs, UGVs, and AUVs), autonomous weapons, targeting, and security/espionage. Thus, the military capabilities of AI continue to grow, affecting fighting strategies and war outcomes. The control and management of the independence of AI-based military systems are crucial and require specific attention.
As the world's largest military power, the United States increasingly invests in AI-based military systems to maintain its hegemony. China, on the other hand, seeks to exploit AI to challenge the military hegemony of the United States. The integration of military and civil institutions is among China's strongest strategies regarding AI, as emphasized in the 2017 Chinese AI roadmap. Under this strategy, China seeks to further use AI and the capacities of the private sector to enhance its military capabilities beyond the United States' superior position.
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