Applications in Military

AI can be used to protect the safety of the crew. For example, the radar of the Apache Longbow (pictured at right) uses advanced algorithms that can accurately determine whether the threat detected is in fact a threat (as opposed to a tree, or something else that would return radar signals). This is important, since in the heat of battle it is hard to distinguish radar returns manually, accurately and quickly. An error could be fatal...you could blow up the palm tree, but get shot down by the T-80 tank 25 metres to the right of it.

Other uses of AI are the advanced autopilot features, that take away the tedious tasks of flying, so that pilots can focus on the important tasks. Automated landing systems, or Computer-aided landing systems can greatly decrease peacetime and wartime accidents when landing on carriers (especially at night).

The military also does general AI research, as is evident from the Air Force Institute of Technology: Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Many people have now heard of the game "Creatures", by CyberLife. This is seemingly childish game, is probably the most advanced simulation of life ever! CyberLife has created the most incredible technology using genetic algorithms, neural networks, chemical simulations and much more. CyberLife recently got contracted by the British MoD (Ministry of Defense) to create technology that may one day fly UAVs and other such weapons. A "creature" would live on the weapon and learn about its systems and characteristics to enable it to become a better weapon. Whilst this may seem to be again, rather foreboding, if applied in the right way, such a vehicle could be an incredible asset to the military.

Hollywood
A human skull is smashed right in front of your face, the foot is not human -- but robotic. A gleaming "Terminator", with glowing red eyes, human-like figure, and the 2020-equivalent of an AK-47 stares at the camera. Hollywood's prediction of the future? Or simply a money-making adventure? Whichever one it is, it has increased an already high paranoia about computers. Humans are inbreed with a fear that one day they will be dominated, after years of being the dominator.

Many movies have portrayed our technology back-firing on us - The Terminator series, DARYL, the Japanese anime "Ghost in the Shell." Just how much will movies affect the advancement of AI in the military? Movies affect the people, the people affect politics, politics affect the government, and the government controls the military. So perhaps it will have an effect, perhaps not. It is one of those questions only time will tell.