Choosing a brand name can be a daunting task, whether it’s for a newborn or a town softball team. The pressure to make the right choice can be overwhelming, leading namers to weigh the options between being bold and risking potential ridicule, or playing it safe with a tried-and-true approach. Frank Frisby, a data scientist at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Software Engineering Center, found himself grappling with this very dilemma. After much deliberation, he turned to a reliable friend amidst a meteoric rise in the field.
In May 2023, Frisby was tasked with naming his team for an upcoming Army-led artificial intelligence challenge that spanned four days. Given his extensive experience with AI, it was no surprise that he opted to leverage ChatGPT, a robot developed by OpenAI.
“We are a group of computer professionals gearing up to compete against other teams,” Frisby inputted, seeking the precision advantage offered by the program. “Our goal is to develop a ground vehicle model that enhances off-road visibility and automation—essential for our defense unit.”
As the bot generated a list of potential names, Frisby sifted through them until one caught his eye.
With the approval of Roy Trieu, a computer scientist from CECOM SEC, and Maluki Montgomery, their cohort from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, the team unanimously agreed on a name, marking the inception of the AI Avengers.
Their breakthrough came to fruition in October 2023, about five months later, when the AI Avengers emerged victorious in the Deep Green Challenge. Operating from different locations—Montgomery in Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, and Frisby and Trieu in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland—the CECOM team’s model outperformed all others.
The Deep Green Challenge, an annual event overseen by the Army Office of Business Transformation, focuses on advancing AI applications in practical military settings. The competition’s second phase tasked teams with developing an AI design to enhance the functionality of ground vehicles in combat scenarios, emphasizing depth perception and response capabilities in challenging environments.
Phillip Osteen, a scientist at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, shaped the competition’s parameters to push teams to innovate while benefiting the Army’s AI initiatives. The AI Avengers’ winning design, tailored to improve autonomous mobility in off-road conditions, showcased their dedication to excellence.
Despite facing time constraints and momentarily halting their efforts during the summer, the AI Avengers persevered. Frisby acknowledged the challenges, noting, “We almost gave up due to time constraints. We had to pause our work for a few months.”
Their determination paid off as they adapted to new tools and strategies, opting not to utilize Lidar—a remote sensing technology that measures depth perception using lasers. Frisby explained, “Unlike Lidar, humans don’t rely on additional tools to gauge distances.”
By forgoing Lidar, the team not only conserved energy but also aligned with the Army’s future need for stealthier autonomous vehicles. Osteen emphasized the importance of developing concepts independent of Lidar for enhanced security.
As the competition progressed, the AI Avengers’ confidence soared, propelled by instant feedback and iterative improvements. Montgomery reflected on the transformative impact of rapid feedback, describing it as “refreshing” and “addictive.”
The team’s strategic breakthroughs positioned them for success, culminating in a well-deserved victory in the Deep Green Challenge. Their model, boasting a remarkable 95% success rate, holds promise for future Army autonomous systems, potentially saving lives on the battlefield.
The AI Avengers’ triumph not only signifies a personal achievement but also underscores their contribution to advancing military technology. Trieu expressed pride in aiding the Army’s technological progress, emphasizing the importance of swift data gathering for enhanced soldier safety.
Looking ahead, Osteen highlighted the broader implications of the Deep Green Challenge, noting its influence on autonomy performance and soldier-machine interactions. Montgomery echoed the sentiment, stressing the significance of AI advancements for the Army’s operational efficacy.
In a landscape where innovation is paramount, the AI Avengers’ dedication to revolutionizing AI applications for the Army reflects their commitment to national security and technological advancement.
Date Captured: 12.29.2023
Date Published: 12.29.2023 14:11
Story Title: 461041
Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
