Benefits AI and machine learning in the defence sector

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What is Machine Learning 

Machine learning, as the name suggests, refers to teaching machines to “think” and improve. This is achieved through software that allows machines to learn by exposing them to new data. These machines perform tasks, not by being programmed, but as a result of the patterns they learn to discern from existing data. Machine learning falls under the umbrella of Artificial intelligence.

Machine Learning is now widely used in the IT industry serving various real-world applications. New age learners are keen to learn the technology by enrolling in machine learning course.

What is Artificial Intelligence

Check out the video to understand the Artificial Intelligence.

Sectors where ML has created an impact and why companies are adopting it

Machine learning has been adopted into many industrial sectors, with drastic impact. This article is about the application of machine learning in the defense sector. However, before we move to that, below mentioned are other sectors that have benefited from machine learning: 

Education 

While human teachers still have a place in the classroom, the use of technology to enhance the learning experience is very much a reality for today’s students. However, even the most dedicated teacher cannot give undivided attention to all his/her students. As long as a school has access to computers, tablets, and the internet, they can use machine learning to complement their teachers’ work in the following ways: 

• Learning plans can be customized to each students’ needs and style of learning.  
• By collecting and analyzing a student’s work, machine learning algorithms can identify learning disabilities
• Generating relevant assignments and tests by sifting through the countless study material. 
• Guiding students through the learning process and giving feedback. 

With machine learning, student/teacher ratios will cease to be a concern as each student will receive a quality education and undivided attention. 

Healthcare

Some applications of machine learning in healthcare include:

• Use of computers to compare symptoms against a vast database of possible diagnoses, leading to faster diagnoses and accuracy of treatment. 
• Use of robo-doctors, such as the Da Vinci, to assist in surgical procedures, greatly reducing the margin of error. 
• Use of predictive and cognitive analytics to identify “at risk” individuals and give them preventive care before they develop a disease like diabetes. 
• Providing follow up care at home using wearable gadgets. 

Financial Services

The financial sector has over the last few years experienced a wide adoption of Machine learning and AI. This is because the finance sector is high risk, deals with a lot of data and its operations demand accuracy. Machine learning algorithms tackle all three problems: machines can sort through a large set of data faster than a human, they are more accurate, and, hence, they minimize risk. 

Some use examples of machine learning in the financial sector include: 

• Vetting customers during the loan application process
• Using Robo advisors, for example, Wealth front or Best Robo Advisors, to manage investment portfolios and recommend “hot” investment opportunities to customers. 
• Customer service and query handling. 
• Fraud detection by monitoring and detecting unusual transactions.

Transportation

The self-driving car is the most widely recognized use of machine learning in transportation. Waymo, which began as Google’s self-driving car, is equipped with software and hardware designed to learn the environment and driver behavior. 

Uber is also in the process of developing self-driving vehicles, while Tesla already fits its vehicles with an autopilot that allows the car to self-drive. The autopilot feature is especially useful for navigating difficult weather conditions. 

The impact of Machine Learning in the defense sector 

Machine learning has created quite an impact in the defense sector, particularly in the military. This is in areas such as

Military intelligence

Modern warfare is becoming heavily reliant on AI and machine learning. Unlike conventional systems, machine learning software can process a lot of data. This improves the decision making and accuracy of combat systems.