Boeing and an AI company teamed up to develop self-flying military planes

Boeing Co. and Shield AI Inc. have agreed to collaborate to speed the military adoption of the startup’s autonomous aircraft software and to investigate additional defence uses for artificial intelligence.

Shield Hivemind, a self-driving AI pilot for aeroplanes that doesn’t require GPS or other communications, is AI’s signature software. It’s useful in conflict zones where enemy forces may jam navigation systems.

Since 2018, Hivemind has been used in combat planes and drones.

“The government understands the critical nature of AI pilots, but legacy policies have made it difficult to procure this complex software for their aviation programs,” said Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s chief executive officer and co-founder.

“Shield AI and Boeing have the capacity to meet the government where it is.”

According to a release, the arrangement, announced Wednesday, will be overseen by Boeing Phantom Works, which manages prototype development for the aerospace company’s defence and security initiatives.

Shield AI was formed in 2015 by Tseng, his brother, Brandon, a former Navy SEAL who serves as president, and Andrew Reiter in San Diego.

It has obtained multiple contracts from the US Air Force, including a $60 million deal in February to deploy Hivemind in a variety of aircraft. Shield AI is presently valued at $2.3 billion, according to Tseng.

This year, venture capital investment in defence businesses worth more than $1 billion, such as Shield AI, Anduril Industries Inc., and HawkEye 360, reached a record $1.9 billion, as the US looks to create new technologies to solve military problems.

The Office of Strategic Capital, established by the Department of Defense in December, has made it a priority to enhance the government’s connection with the venture sector and assist the Military in purchasing software goods.