Posted: January 12, 2024 10:22 AM Updated: January 12, 2024 10:23 AM
Correction and fact check date: January 12, 2024, 10:22 AM
briefly
Chinese scientists are raising ethical questions about integrating AI into the military, with the PLA developing autonomous AI for complex combat scenarios.
Chinese scientists are pushing the boundaries of military artificial intelligence (AI) by incorporating ChatGPT and similar technologies into experimental projects. A group of Chinese scientists working with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are working to create China’s military AI that can better cope with unexpected situations involving humans.
According to several Chinese media reports, they want AI to become smarter at handling scenarios with human counterparts. China’s announcement of this AI project marks the first time the country has publicly confirmed the use of commercial large language models (LLMs) in military applications.
Moreover, this move raises questions about the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with implementing sophisticated AI. AI has been praised for its capabilities, but it has also been criticized for its lack of control and potential for unintended consequences.
The research team built a physical link between the AI system and commercially developed language models, namely Baidu’s Ernie and iFlyTek’s Spark.
Military AI can gather a lot of data from sensors and front-line reports into words or pictures. This is shared with other commercial models. Once collected, military AI can converse with them without human intervention. We also generate our own suggestions for more detailed discussions, such as combat exercises.
Details of the project were found in a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese journal Command Control & Simulation in December 2023. In a research paper, scientist Sun Yifeng and his team from the PLA University of Information Engineering say that both people and machines can benefit from the project.
One of the main concerns raised by computer scientists is the potential risks associated with this level of autonomy. Comparisons have been made with scenarios depicted in popular culture, with one scientist warning that if not handled carefully, the situation could develop into a narrative similar to the Terminator movies, where the AI gets out of control.
The published paper shed light on the project’s goals and emphasized the desire to make military AI more “human-like.” This includes better understanding the intentions of commanders at all levels and improving communication with human counterparts.
The integration of commercial large language models appears to deepen military AI’s understanding of human behavior.
Predict your next move on the battlefield
In the simulation experiment described in the paper, a military AI provided Ernie with hypothetical information about the 2011 U.S. invasion of Libya. After several conversations, Ernie successfully predicted the American military’s next move.
The research team argues that such predictive capabilities could compensate for human weaknesses and address issues such as biases in human cognition that can cause us to overestimate or underestimate threats on the battlefield.
However, it is recognized that the information disclosed in the published paper is only the tip of the iceberg. The research team intentionally kept certain aspects of the project confidential, including how military and commercial models can learn from past failures and mutually acquire new knowledge and skills.
It is worth noting that China is not alone in exploring military applications of AI. Various branches of the U.S. military have expressed interest in similar technologies, exploring applications ranging from intelligence analysis and psychological warfare to drone control and communications code breaking.
As the global race for AI supremacy intensifies, scientists emphasize the need for responsible and ethical development and highlight the potential risks posed by unrestricted access to powerful AI systems to military networks and classified information.
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Kumar is an experienced technology journalist specializing in the dynamic intersection of emerging fields including AI/ML, marketing technology, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. With over three years of experience in the industry, Kumar has established a proven track record in crafting compelling narratives, conducting insightful interviews, and providing comprehensive insights. Kumar’s specialty is producing high-impact content including articles, reports and research publications for prominent industry platforms. With a unique skill at combining technical knowledge and storytelling, Kumar excels at communicating complex technical concepts in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences.
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Kumar is an experienced technology journalist specializing in the dynamic intersection of emerging fields including AI/ML, marketing technology, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. With over three years of experience in the industry, Kumar has established a proven track record in crafting compelling narratives, conducting insightful interviews, and providing comprehensive insights. Kumar’s expertise lies in producing impactful content, including articles, reports and research publications for prominent industry platforms. With a unique skill at combining technical knowledge and storytelling, Kumar excels at communicating complex technical concepts in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences.