Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to Invest $2 Billion in Artificial Intelligence Initiative

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently announced that it will be investing up to $2 billion towards new programs advancing artificial intelligence (AI) over the next five years. This funding comes as part of its new “AI Next” campaign that is aimed at understanding and addressing the limitations of first and second wave AI technologies through the advancement of third wave technologies. 
“With AI Next, we are making multiple research investments aimed at transforming computers from specialized tools to partners in problem-solving,” said Dr. Walker. “Today, machines lack contextual reasoning capabilities, and their training must cover every eventuality, which is not only costly, but ultimately impossible. We want to explore how machines can acquire human-like communication and reasoning capabilities, with the ability to recognize new situations and environments and adapt to them.”
Under AI Next, DARPA is funding over 20 programs that explore new ways to further push AI technologies. One of the key components of the program will be DARPA’s Artificial Intelligence Exploration program that was first launched in July, 2018 [click here to view the Capitol Update’s initial reporting on this program]. Some of the other areas AI Next is exploring include:

• Automating critical DoD business processes, such as security clearance vetting in a week or accrediting software systems in one day for operational deployment;
• Improving the robustness and reliability of AI systems;
• Enhancing the security and resiliency of machine learning and AI technologies;
• Reducing power, data, and performance inefficiencies;
• Pioneering the next generation of AI algorithms and applications, such as “explainability” and commonsense reasoning.

For more information about AI Next, click here: https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/ai-next-campaign