Meta teams up with an arms manufacturer to develop an AI-powered gadget for military use.
Meta and Defense Startup Anduril Partner to Develop AI-Equipped Tech for Soldiers
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has entered into a partnership with defense startup Anduril to develop advanced AI-enhanced technologies for soldier gear. This collaboration will see the creation of wearable devices, such as rugged helmets and glasses, designed to improve hearing and vision, along with capabilities like virtual reality and mixed reality.
The heart of this collaboration lies in integrating algorithms from Meta's Llama family of open-source language models into the devices, which will run efficiently on resource-restricted devices like virtual reality headsets. The new wearable systems will be geared towards enhancing warfighters' capabilities and enabling them to remotely control autonomous systems while augmenting their situational awareness.
Both companies are planning to bid on the U.S. Army's next-generation mixed-reality, heads-up display program, formerly known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). By adopting high-performance components originally meant for commercial use, the partnership aims to save the U.S. military billions of dollars.
Initially known as Facebook, Meta began its foray into virtual reality after acquiring Oculus in 2014. The company's Reality Labs division will participate in the partnership, leveraging their expertise in this area. Anduril, a defense technology company established by Palmer Luckey (co-founder of Oculus), will bring its advanced hardware and AI software to the table.
The partnership between Meta and Anduril combines resources and innovative approaches to create groundbreaking technologies that aim to redefine the battlefield experience. As the cooperation progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the capabilities and potential impact of these advanced wearable technologies on the military.
- This collaboration between Meta and Anduril is not limited to soldier gear; they also plan to work on community policy and employment policy, aiming to incorporate the developed AI-enhanced technologies in various industries, such as finance, technology, and sports.
- In the sports sector, there's a possibility of integrating AI-equipped technology into sports-betting platforms for improved user experience and analytics, creating a more immersive and intelligent betting environment.
- The partnership might also develop employment policy initiatives, leveraging artificial-intelligence to create a more efficient and adaptable workforce, as well as training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to collaborate effectively on these cutting-edge projects.
