Defence Minister to inaugurate ‘Artificial Intelligence in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium
If you’re a true tech geek, chances are you know how Artificial Intelligence, popularly called AI, has revolutionised the tech field over the last few years. AI is now an indispensable part of many sectors starting from e-commerce to live streaming services. So, it’s no wonder that this technological innovation has spread its wings to the defence sector too. In 2018, an AI task force on Defence was founded by the Ministry of Defence, to integrate this technology. Later on, a High-level Defence AI Council and Defence AI Project Agency were formed by the ministry.
Today, four years down the line, India is ready with its first ever ‘Artificial Intelligence in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, that has been organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. It will be inaugurated by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 11th July at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The symposium will exhibit all ground-breaking AI-enabled solutions and products that have been designed and developed by research institutions, government services, industry and start-ups as well as innovators over the years.
As we all know, India will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its independence on the 15th August of 2022. The union government has planned a mega event called ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ around this and the AIDef symposium is part of this year-long celebration. The exhibition is all set to promote ‘Aatmanirbharata’ or self-reliance in the Defence sector.
AIDef symposium: Highlights
During the symposium two leading exporters in the field of defence (one from public sector and another from private) will be felicitated. Additionally, panel discussions on topics such as ‘Deploying AI in Defence,’ ‘GenNext AI Solutions’ and ‘AI in Defence – Industry Perspective’ will also be organised as part of the AIDef symposium. Active participation from armed personnel, academicians, students, research institutions as well as the tech industry are expected.
Moreover, a contest called ‘GenNext AI’ Solutions Competition has also been arranged where bright young minds will participate and figure out new and innovative AI solutions to possible defence problems. Top 3 ideas will be awarded.
Apart from these, guests from different nations will also attend the symposium, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence as well as other ministries of the Indian government.
Technologies to be displayed at the AIDef symposium
As many as 75 newly-developed AI technologies, services and products will be showcased at the AIDef symposium. These include automation or unmanned robotics systems, cyber security, human behaviour analysis, intelligent monitoring system, logistics and supply chain management, speech or voice analysis, Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems and operational data analytics among others. Apart from these, 100 other technologies are being developed.