Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s AI drone company, previously known as White Stork, has been quietly poaching talent from major tech companies like Apple, SpaceX, and Google, according to Forbes. The company, now renamed Project Eagle, is focused on developing AI-powered drones aimed at attacking targets with precision. Schmidt has also recruited individuals from the federal government and his own nonprofit organization, Schmidt Futures.
This secretive company has been testing AI-guided drones in Silicon Valley and Ukraine, where Schmidt has visited multiple times. Schmidt has expressed his belief that AI has the potential to revolutionize modern warfare, and even penned an opinion piece urging Congress to allocate $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, a country that has been a testing ground for the drones.
Military affairs and artificial intelligence are longstanding interests of Schmidt, who has served on government advisory boards related to AI and national security after leaving Google. AI is already being used in the battlefield, with Israel reportedly utilizing AI to pinpoint targets during their conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
While some experts believe that AI could improve decision-making in wartime and reduce costs through simulated war games, others have raised concern about the ethical and legal implications of rapidly integrating AI into combat operations. The development of AI in military applications raises questions about the need for robust ethical frameworks to govern its use.
Schmidt’s company represents a growing trend of tech leaders exploring the potential of AI in military settings. With the rapid advancements in AI technology, it is essential for policymakers and ethicists to consider the implications of deploying AI-powered weaponry and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or unintended consequences. The intersection of AI and military operations is a complex and evolving field that demands careful consideration of the ethical and legal implications of leveraging AI in warfare.
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https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-schmidt-poaches-apple-spacex-google-ai-drones-report-2024-6?amp
