IDF machines are outsmarting humans

Machines, robots, and algorithms are “learning” to analyze and understand the vast amounts of information flowing every second on the internet, in the IDF, and within the civilian population. These robots and machines “learn” to do this in a way that resembles the human thought process.

"Every camera, every tank, and every soldier produces information on a regular basis, seven days a week, 24 hours a day," explains the head of the Sigma branch, Lieutenant Colonel Nurit Cohen Inger. "The information is drained into ‘Agams,’ the servers with the information, and our systems know how to draw the relevant information and make it accessible to us, the consumers."

In a tank, there are hundreds of sensors, computers, and information systems that constantly send data to the server. Artificial intelligence translates this information and offers effective solutions to its users. For example, it’s possible to know in advance when a tank will need a repair. The system actually "learns" about all of the tanks that have ever been in the IDF and then compares the data to that of a specific tank and determines when it needs to be checked.

"The goal is to learn from the information that was collected in the past and to draw conclusions from it," says Lt. Col. Cohen Inger. "We understand that there are capabilities a machine can acquire that a man can’t. We are slowly introducing artificial intelligence into all areas of the IDF- from logistics and manpower to intelligence."

The face identification system, used at security crossings in the Central Command, is another example of the IDF’s use of artificial intelligence. This system was designed to streamline security checks, shorten lines, and protect soldiers.

At the security crossing, the system compares the image on one’s ID card to his face. Lt. Col. Cohen Inger explains, "We know that human beings have about 5% error in face recognition, whereas the machine has only 2.5% error."

Workers are currently working on a new system to operate in the field of observation. This machine will be able to analyze videos and warn of potential problems. "The system simultaneously looks at a number of cameras and compares it to the video that the computer already knows. It knows how to warn against a suspicious person or an unidentified object," says Lt. Col. Cohen Inger.

"Artificial intelligence is not a concept that we invented," emphasizes the Head of the Sigma Branch. "The trick is to see where this field goes in the world and try to assimilate it into the army. We look at existing systems in the civilian market and adapt them to the IDF world, where they can help fill dangerous positions currently carried out by human beings alone. "

Using robots and machines for matters pertaining to Israel’s security is not simple. "I think that when we don’t know something we are afraid of it and therefore, the assimilation of the systems takes time," explains Lt. Col. Cohen Inger. However, these new systems of artificial intelligence are extremely accurate and can “think” and “interpret” data in ways humans can’t. “The IDF is better because of it."