Dstl hosts Artificial Intelligence platform recognition trial to
build datasets and validate algorithms.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for defence applications
could be developed more quickly due to an innovative defence
community-based approach to trial hosted by The Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Over
time this could increase weapon capability and reduce development
cost.
One of the major challenges facing defence AI suppliers is the lack of
available datasets for certain tasks such as target recognition.
To provide data safely and responsibly Dstl’s trial
utilised a combination of platforms of interest. This included
tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armoured personnel
carriers, deployed across five different areas of Dstl’s trial
range around Salisbury Plain.
Industry partners from Thales, MBDA, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin
and Frazer-Nash were able to record data from a variety of
cameras and sensors and provide this to MOD whilst retaining access to the
data to train and develop their machine learning algorithms.
Utilising a variety of electro-optic and infrared systems the
trial captured valuable data of land platforms against different
terrain backgrounds and in the presence of camouflage and
obscurants. This MOD-owned dataset will be invaluable
in supporting the development of machine learning and
AI techniques that
can be shared with the defence community to train and validate
their algorithms.
Specialist Dstl staff
drove, commanded and operated the threat platforms and vehicles,
positioning the platforms in realistic battlefield orientation
amongst non-threat vehicles and buildings.
The dataset collected will aid the development of target
recognition algorithms and investigate their ability to identify
particular enemy threats at various ranges, directly improving UK
battlefield capability via Dstl’s
Cooperative Weapons technology demonstrator programme. The
MOD-owned image library
will be available to defence suppliers, and its use could lead to
increased weapon capability and reduced development costs.
Dstl’s Weapon
Systems Programme Manager, Simon Zavad, commented: “The trial
drew on the specialist expertise across multiple areas of
Dstl, bringing
them together to collaborate with industry partners and
government colleagues. The data gathered could accelerate the
development of AIsoftware, improving the
accuracy of data to enable commanders to make better combat
decisions.”
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) are hosting all the
trial data on the Defence Digital Cloud and managed the data
gathering contracts. Further information on Dstl’s Weapons
Programme and how to get involved is here.
