Applying Knowledge Engine Technology in The Military, or How HAL the Computer from the Movie '2001: A Space Odyssey' May Manifest Itself in the Military.
Abstract
Knowledge engines such as Arthur C. Clarke's 'HAL,' the human-like computer in the movie 2001, are on the horizon. A knowledge engine's ability to aid commanders in producing well-informed decisions faster than an adversary can react, will accelerate the tempo of battle more than is envisioned in today's information age. The enabling technologies are rapidly maturing, allowing a coherent effort on the part of the military to reap significant rewards. Information dominance can be measurably improved with the addition of decision-making tools that rapidly assimilate strategic, operational and tactical data to provide the commander and staff with reasoned options and advice for better and faster decisions. Today this is being done with high-tech systems in a collective effort, but without a vision of the true potential. To delay this effort, or to support disparate and uncoordinated technical endeavors, will mean a dissolution of effort. Because there are so many roads that can be traveled in a technical sense, a cost effective, and incremental approach is necessary. Time is important as this technology can be developed by an adversary fairly rapidly and quietly. Requirements and recommendations for the practical development of a military knowledge engine are included in this paper. The sobering fact is that a creative adversary could well develop a sophisticated knowledge engine before we do.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326356
Entities
People
- Christopher L. Sargent
Organizations
- United States Army War College