'We have to get there first': American ingenuity must solve challenges of artificial intelligence, Esper says

The U.S. needs to tackle the challenges of adapting artificial intelligence systems for modern warfare, much like the "titans of industry" transformed Detroit into an "arsenal of democracy" during World War II, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said yesterday. "Mastering artificial intelligence will require similar vision, ambition and commitment," Esper said at a conference hosted by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. "We need the full force of American intellect and ingenuity working in harmony across the public and private sectors." Artificial Intelligence, sometimes called "machine learning," refers to advanced computer algorithms that can use data to "learn" and therefore make choices without human input. Last week, a Pentagon advisory board released proposed guidelines for the ethical deployment of AI-enabled weapons on the battlefield.