DOD Wants Third-Wave AI Tech: Adaptable Systems and Mind Control

Artificial intelligence machines are still a long way from the agile, haughty humanoid machines popular in science fiction novels and movies, and an increasing number of TV commercials. But in some respects, they might not be too far off, to judge from work being done on the next generation of AI systems. If Defense Department researchers have their way, the next wave of AI systems will be able to think on their feet to a degree they can't now. And, when necessary, they will engage in a kind of Vulcan mind meld with their human counterparts. Those are the goals of two projects included in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's AI Next campaign, a $2 billion effort to fast-track development of what DARPA calls the "third wave" of AI technologies.