Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, is entering the defence sector with his new drone firm, White Stork, which intends to deploy AI-powered assault drones to help Ukraine in its continuing struggle. Schmidt's foray into this high-stakes sector represents a significant departure from his industry roots and emphasises the developing confluence of artificial intelligence and military technologies.
Schmidt emphasised his disgust with the harm perpetrated on people by Russian soldiers during an April presentation at Stanford University, describing it as "driving me crazy." Schmidt's comments highlight his passion for White Stork, which he co-founded with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun. White Stork's objective is to transform current warfare by using artificial intelligence to develop superior, cost-effective drones that can autonomously detect and engage targets.
The business intends to mass-produce these smart drones, lowering production costs while increasing precision and efficacy. According to Schmidt, the drones would be sent immediately into Ukraine with government support to help with the conflict, potentially decreasing the need for traditional ground engagements involving tanks and heavy artillery.
Schmidt's new job as a "licensed arms dealer" represents a considerable break from his former roles in the tech industry, where he was known for his leadership at Google and as Chairman of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Despite this move, Schmidt encourages individuals to seek jobs in artificial intelligence rather than military technology, recognising the unique and demanding nature of his current endeavour.
White Stork combines artificial intelligence and defence technology, leveraging Schmidt's expertise and resources to address pressing geopolitical concerns. The start-up's focus on AI-powered drones is consistent with larger trends in military technology, where automation and smart algorithms are increasingly being used to improve operational efficiency.
_20240501181242original_image_36.webp)