DARPA is seeking the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) technology by announcing a multi-year investment of more than $2 billion toward the “AI Next” campaign. The announcement was made during the closing remarks of DARPA’s D60 Symposium at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.
“With AI Next, we are making multiple research investments aimed at transforming computers from specialized tools to partners in problem-solving,” says Agency Director Dr. Walker.
“Today, machines lack contextual reasoning capabilities, and their training must cover every eventuality, which is not only costly, but ultimately impossible. We want to explore how machines can acquire human-like communication and reasoning capabilities, with the ability to recognize new situations and environments and adapt to them,” explains Dr. Walker.
Under the campaign, more than 20 programs are being pursued to advance AI systems “toward contextual reasoning capabilities.” In addition, more than 60 programs are using AI in some way. For example, some use AI to detect and patch cyber weaknesses, while others allow the sharing of electromagnetic spectrum bandwidth.
According to DARPA, key development areas include improving robustness, reliability, security, resilience, performance, and algorithm design. It will also help automate Department of Defense (DoD) business processes, such as security clearance vetting.