Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks in a statement said the move is aimed at increasing the speed at which the military develops advanced AI, data analytics and machine-learning technology. "Advances in AI and machine learning are critical to delivering the capabilities we need to address key challenges both today and into the future," Dr. Hicks said. In his role, Dr. Martell, who joined Lyft two years ago and has also led machine-learning development at software company Dropbox Inc. and Microsoft Corp.'s LinkedIn, will oversee the department's new digital and AI office, the agency said. The Morning Download delivers daily insights and news on business technology from the CIO Journal team. Launched in February, the office is part of restructuring efforts that combine the department's enterprisewide data, AI and cyber initiatives under one roof.