Page 60 - Cover Page Sequence-2020.cdr

Every kilometre of the our border is geographically
varied requiring a mix of technological equipment, at some
places radar makes sense, lidar may make sense in another, ENSURING HUMANS ARE IN THE LOOP
a high-resolution camera may make sense in some and
therefore we should be using the one that makes the most Although the concept of intelligent automation has
sense and the one that is the reasonable cost benefit ratio. created concerns around job security for many people, the
Technology has come a long way since the mid-2000s — reality is that technology won’t replace humans outright,
particularly in AI-backed image detection. Tech companies as it historically hasn’t. AI technology will substitute for
are taking advantage of this political opportunity, saying specific assignments, allowing workers to refocus their time
that their products could be a game changer for border and energy on more complex reasoning tasks that require
security. Surveillance and defense tech startups have found something AI doesn’t have—emotional intelligence.
early success with the deployment of their tools like drones, Human operation and interference is of paramount
AI software, and new sensors — some of them extending concern in defence and security, where there is more at risk.
small-scale pilots into longer-term contracts. The use of AI requires a much higher level of accountability
and reliability than in other sectors given lives, expensive
WAY FORWARD: The Human Way equipment, and the security of citizens are at stake. AI
What equipment or algorithms are needed is a should not replace a human decision, but should re-direct
matter of detailed study and should be done at micro levels resources to more value-add activities.
(as already said the geography and demography of the
CHALLENGES: Applying AI within the Forces comes
respective borders should dictate these considerations).
with a unique set of challenges.
Integration of AI technology into an organization is
not just about ensuring the technology is trusted and secure.
It’s about the strategy to ensure AI is adopted broadly, the
processes that are in place to procure and govern solutions,
the data that is unbiased, and the people who are ready to
nurture and develop AI capabilities. With the right change
in management strategy military, police services, and
border security agencies, can institutionalize AI solutions
that are governed with the highest degree of accountability,
explicability, and success. Throughout this process, nothing
remains more critical than the human operator in all stages
of implementation. The future may well remain with AI
automation as the goal, but at this time, there is a lot of
work to be done to reach a position where agencies can
leverage AI. Regardless of when the solution presents itself,
the foundation should remain the same – determine a clear
operational intent, relevant to the organisation’s specific
environment.

57 Anniversary Issue - 2020 55
th