The U.S. Air Force is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through research in computational intelligence, reasoning, decision-making, autonomy, and relevant societal implications.
The agreement with MIT includes selecting 11 Airmen for a collaboration team designed to develop AI solutions for national security challenges. The team is expected to work with researchers at MIT to harness the university’s student talent, faculty, and facilities.
“MIT is a leading institution for AI research, education and application, making this a huge opportunity for the Air Force as we deepen and expand our scientific and technical enterprise. Drawing from one of the best of American research universities is vital,” Heather Wilson, secretary of the Air Force, said.
The Air Force will invest about $15 million per year through this partnership with MIT. They will address a broad range of AI projects such as decision support, maintenance and logistics, talent management, medical readiness, situational awareness, business operations, and disaster relief.
“This collaboration is very much in line with MIT’s core value of service to the nation,” said Maria Zuber, MIT’s vice president for research and the E.A. Griswold professor of geophysics. “MIT researchers who choose to participate will bring state-of-the-art expertise in AI to advance Air Force mission areas and help train Air Force personnel in applications of AI.”
The Air Force launched several similar partnerships with higher education institutions around the United States, each with a different focus area. It is part of the Air Force’s commitment to driving innovation through government, academic, and private sector partnerships.