How AI and Robotics Will Disrupt the Defense Industry

The technologies of the defense industry are in the early stages of a seismic shift: artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are changing defense now and will enable intelligent warfare in the decades to come. These technologies will have a correspondingly tectonic effect on defense contractors. In the near term, incorporating AI into the design of traditional battle networks will vastly improve performance of current platforms and forces. Prime contractors will maintain an advantage during this phase. However, as the capabilities of AI and robotics reach an inflection point, the US Department of Defense (DoD) will shift to smaller AI- and robotics-based systems--and will rely on nontraditional players to provide them.