Tista Karmakar, Mumbai Uncensored, 12th July 2022:
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies during India’s first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organized by the Ministry of defense in celebration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, on July 11, 2022, in New Delhi.
The AIDef symposium included several domains of Artificial Intelligence dependent technology such as AI Platform Automation; Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotic Systems; Blockchain-based Automation; Communication Intelligence; Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems; Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance; Stimulators/Test Equipment; and Speech/Voice analysis with Natural Language processing.
The symposium also included a screening of the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) developed three high-demand AI products like AI-enabled Voice Transcription or Analysis Software by Bharat Electronics Ltd., Driver Fatigue Monitoring System developed by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd., and AI-enabled evaluation of Welding defects in X-rays of Non-destructive Testing developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
The Defence Minister Mr. Singh has also launched both electronic and physical versions of books containing details of the 75 products exhibited during the symposium. He also described how the way of AI-based technology is taking a “revolutionary step” in developing humanity. AI-based technologies have been introduced in the sector of health, medicine, agriculture trade, commerce, transport, and now in defense with a hope to bring radical changes in the coming future.
He said, “When there has been full human participation in wars, new autonomous weapons/systems have been developed with the help of AI applications. They can destroy enemy establishments without human control. AI-enabled military devices are capable of handling large amounts of data efficiently. It is also proving to be very helpful in training the soldiers. In the coming times, Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will also be used effectively.”
The Defence Ministry appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces, DRDO, and DPSUs in providing innovative and indigenous AI solutions for defense and future technologies to ensure social welfare, national security and create a ‘Global Hub for AI’ in India.
Mr. Singh added more about AI influence in defense saying, “We have started incorporation of AI applications in remote piloted, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. There is a need to move further in this direction so that we can develop autonomous weapon systems. The timely infusion of technologies like AI and Big Data in the defense sector is of utmost importance so that we are not left behind the technology curve and are able to take maximum advantage of technology for our services.
The Ministry of Defence has also added that they will provide Rs. 35,000 crores to boost the domestic industry’s production by 2025. Public sector industry such as Bharat Electronics Ltd and private sector industry named Indo-MM was conferred ‘Raksha Niryat Ratna’ award for achieving the highest defense exports in recent years. The program also initiated the GenNext AI competition among students to scout innovative ideas for future AI solutions.
