Hampshire has been the stage for one of the largest maritime artificial intelligence data capture trials ever, with the aim of fostering the creation of advanced AI products tailored for the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise, led by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), spanned over five days and saw the involvement of 130 personnel, 13 vessels, multiple uncrewed air vehicles, a light aircraft, and more than 50 cameras and sensors for accurate activity recording.
James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, remarked, “Investing in new technology provides our Armed Forces with the tools they need to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensures our national security in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Innovative, data driven exercises like this demonstrate how AI can enhance our military capabilities, enabling us to respond more efficiently to the threats of today and tomorrow.”
The wealth of data gathered during the exercise encompasses visual, infrared, sonar, and radar readings. Furthermore, crucial ‘metadata’, such as platform and sensor locations, weather details, sea conditions, and other contextual elements were also accumulated.
This vast and varied data trove will be pivotal in training AI algorithms, especially in tasks like object recognition, and will be integral in the development of novel AI products for Defence.
Highlighting the importance of authentic and reliable data, Charlie Maslen, Dstl’s trial technical authority, stated, “This was an ambitious and challenging trial which builds on the experience and expertise gained during the previous land-based exercise. Data generated by the trial will enable MOD and industry partners to develop new AI products for Defence, helping keep UK forces safe and delivering operational advantage. Being able to guarantee the integrity of the data underlines MOD’s commitment to the ethical, safe and responsible use of AI.”
If beach landings assume they were using Browndown.
They need to train up the robot. Biarritz would be my choice 🙂
Ah, Biarritz…..i know it well…those French Girls Trebik!
When I was…many years…younger, I have seen them use Stokes Bay as a landing site. Now that was very exciting as a youngster. Also damn convenient for Portsmouth and Milton Barracks at the time.
Yes, I think Stokes Bay, Brown Down is the same place.
BD is a training area with a handy beach. Seen lots of photos of LCVP, LCU and Mexe coming in there over the years.
I assume this is where the exercise is taking place, I might well be wrong.