Latest news with #DeniseGarcia
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
AI-led technologies: replacing the human commander?
Listen to article Given the return of great power politics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the world falls further into strategic flux where each state struggles for its survival and territorial integrity. As this happens, the emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, integrated internet, speed in the form of hypersonic glide vehicles, remote sensing, lethal autonomous weapon systems, swarms of drones, anti-drones, etc, are preconceived to be the "game changer" for winning battles and wars quickly and decisively. The evolving AI-led world is called "the global third nuclear age." The proponents of AI-led technologies continue to presume that yet another revolution in military affairs appears imminent. Amidst the growing body of literature on emerging technologies, particularly on AI, many leading scholars appear to be concluding rather quickly that AI integration in the land, air and sea could transform the dynamics of warfare, endanger the survivability of retaliatory capabilities, transform the doctrinal force posturing, make the strategic rivals more offensive when it comes offense-defense dilemma, create AI-led human commander and make nuclear deterrence irrelevant. The proponents of AI argue that the lethal autonomous weapon systems in the form of "autonomous drone swarms" would be able to launch, fly, target and strike at will without having "the humans in or on the loop". In doing so, many scholars presume that AI-related weapons – while revolutionising the dynamics of warfighting strategies – would replace the traditional method of tactical and operational imperatives. Others argue that traditional weapon systems – such as artillery, tanks, aircraft and bombers – as well as nuclear weapons could be undermined by AI-related autonomous weapons. Still others equally argue that AI-related weapon systems might affect nuclear strategies and the related decision-making. For example, in the changing nature and character of warfare when it comes to AI-related technologies, Denise Garcia radically argued that "the development of AI and its uses for lethal purposes in war fundamentally change the nature of warfare." In the similar context, Kenneth Pyne also argues that "AI alters the nature of war by introducing non-human decision-making." Nevertheless, the opponents of AI-related technologies are more skeptical about the dramatic impact of these technologies in terms of winning the battles rather quickly and decisively. They question if such technologies could undermine the traditional methods of warfighting strategies bolstered with tactical and operational military tactics. They also criticise and caution the proponent of AI-related technologies that such technologies could potentially undermine the traditional warfighting military weaponry. For example, Anthony King argues that although autonomous weapons may become common, it is unclear whether such weapons will be remotely as revolutionary as many scholars routinely assume. Therefore, robot wars will not take place. When it comes to the ambitious rationale for replacing the human commander, it is not clear whether the world's evolving complex security environment could primarily have the AI-led machine replacing the human commander in the battlefield. Also, it is not clear what consequences this could have between the nuclear rivals. We do not have any strong evidence that the leading technological powers will have the machine replacing the human commander on the battlefield. Security analysts largely preconceive that the world may have a machine commander. The Clausewitzian world – which is based upon the essentials of empathy, correct decision, restraint and judgment – warned that in the "real world" composed by humans, chaos cannot simply be left to "a sort of algebra of action". This shows that "if all variables and outcomes could be known, and if war was a purely rational affair, there would be no need of the physical existence of armies, but only of the theoretical relations between them." The perceived "narrow" AI may play some role in decision-making, but there is little evidence that AI technologies without the human commander particularly in the military domain could have done enough to distinguish between the different dynamics and posturing of warfare activities. For example, Hunter and Bowen argue, "That narrow AI can play games like Chess and Go effectively, or fly a simulated aircraft, does not mean that narrow AI can be relied upon to perform command duties in war." Let's conclude with a cautious assessment: one, it is unlikely that AI-related autonomous systems could almost have limitless capacity to find, strike and destroy targets. Two, the significance of other military systems including the human military commanders could not altogether be sidelined and/or undermined. Three, AI-related weapons would favour the defence rather than the offence. Other leading scholars also question the lethality and predominance of AI-related technologies by undermining the more traditional and classic warfighting strategies. They clearly argue from the Kitsch vision of war that "we will not have a model of an AI major-general", thereby dismissing the over-ambitious possibility of AI replacing human commanders.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Three companies test drones over Massachusetts to deliver medical supplies
BOSTON (WWLP) – Three companies tested their drones in Massachusetts to fly small packages to aid in the timely, cost-effective delivery of medical supplies. In a news release from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division, medical delivery demonstrations took place between August and October 2024. This included transporting packages of up to 10 pounds using drones (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems), for the use of home-based healthcare and emergency medical response in the future. The flight tests were deemed successful as the participants' drones carried simulated payloads for at least one mile, one way. Is that a drone or a plane? How to spot the differences In support of MassDOT, the aeronautics team currently uses its drones to improve transportation safety, such as infrastructure inspection and incident response in partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). 'This medical delivery demonstration underscores the value of drones for many operational needs,' said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. 'Drones have already proven useful in operations, including MBTA track corridor inspections, MassDOT Highway bridge inspections, overhead project evaluations, and other needs. We continue to assess the use of drones for other purposes in the future.' 'This demonstration project reflects our commitment to exploring the use of drones to meet critical needs, such as the timely, cost-effective delivery of supplies and devices for health care and emergency management, across the Commonwealth,' said MassDOT Aeronautics Acting Administrator Denise Garcia. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
19-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Drones are delivering medical supplies in Massachusetts. Could the tech reach your state?
The future is here. Transportation officials in Massachusetts are testing drone technology to be used in the Bay State to deliver medical supplies, marking the latest effort to use drones to drop goods at Americans' homes nationwide. The drones, which were tested last year, are able to deliver packages up to 10 pounds for a distance of at least one mile. The goal is to use them "for small package delivery, especially for home-based healthcare and emergency medical response in the future," the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said in a statement. 'This demonstration project reflects our commitment to exploring the use of drones to meet critical needs, such as the timely, cost-effective delivery of supplies and devices for health care and emergency management, across the Commonwealth,' Denise Garcia, acting administrator of the department's aeronautics division, said in a press release. What are drones? What are they used for? Drones, a term that encompasses uncrewed aerial vehicle piloted remotely, are widely used among hobbyists, commercial users and the military for a variety of purposes. Tens of thousands of customers around the country already get everything from lunchtime goodies and replacement light bulbs to vaccines and prescriptions via drone. Major retailers including 7-11, Walmart, and Chick-fil-A have launched drone delivery programs, and three of the country's largest drone delivery companies -DroneUp, Zipline, and Wing - say the industry is ripe for expansion. Chick-fil-A via drone delivery? How the fight for sky dominance is heating up In Massachusetts, the department of transportation also uses drones for infrastructure inspection, incident response and supporting other government agencies including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. "MassDOT's drones collect various types of data, like high-resolution images, 3D maps, thermal images, and LiDAR scans," according to "This data helps with proactive maintenance and more accurate condition assessments, aiding in better planning and scheduling." Could drones be used for medical deliveries in other states? A team from the University of Maryland is using drones to deliver prescription drugs and other medical supplies to residents of Smith Island and other remote communities in the state that would otherwise have to wait days for deliveries. The program was announced in October after the state received a $1.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. Amazon has also used drones to deliver prescription medications to customers in College Station, Texas, about 95 miles northwest of Houston. The company promised in 2023 the deliveries would be made within an hour of ordering and wouldn't cost customers anything extra, offering relief from standing in line, having public conversations about health and strenuous wait times. DroneUp, Zipline and Wing fly deliveries not only for fast food restaurants like Sweetgreen and Wendy's, but also a handful of health clinics in several states, including Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Virginia. Zipline announced last year that the Mayo Clinic would use the company's autonomous drones to make deliveries directly to patients homes from the health system's campuses in Jacksonville, Fla. and Rochester, Minn. "In the next few years, Zipline's P2 service is expected to reach patients in 11 states, putting better care within reach of more than 30 million people in the United States alone," the company said. Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Jennifer Jolly and Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Massachusetts Department of Transportation Selects Draganfly for Drone Medical Delivery Demonstration and Reports Its Successful Completion
Boston, MA., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) ('Draganfly' or the 'Company'), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is excited to announce it was selected by Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division for and, successfully completed a demonstration for the simulated delivery of medical supplies for use in support of home-based healthcare. The medical delivery demonstrations took place between August and October 2024 and involved three selected companies, including Draganfly. 'This medical delivery demonstration underscores the value of drones for many operational needs,' said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, 'Drones already have proven useful with operations, including MBTA track corridor inspections, MassDOT Highway bridge inspections, overhead project evaluations, and other needs. We continue to assess the use of drones for other purposes in the future.' 'This demonstration project underscores our commitment to exploring the use of drones to meet critical needs, such as the timely and cost-effective delivery of supplies and devices for healthcare and emergency management, across the Commonwealth,' said MassDOT Aeronautics Acting Administrator Denise Garcia. 'We are grateful to have been selected for this groundbreaking pilot project,' said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. 'Our drone technology has the potential to revolutionize the delivery of medical supplies, providing timely and cost-effective solutions for home-based healthcare and emergency responses. This collaboration with MassDOT Aeronautics underscores our credibility and commitment to advancing public safety and healthcare through innovative drone solutions.' Draganfly's participation in the Drone Medical Delivery Pilot is a testament to its capabilities, reputation and dedication to providing drone solutions that define industry standards, empowering global organizations, to save time, money, and lives. About Draganfly Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations can do business and service their stakeholders. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 24 years, Draganfly is an award-winning industry leader serving the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity, and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money, and lives. For more information on Draganfly, please visit us at For additional investor information, visit CSENASDAQFRANKFURT Media Contactemail: media@ Company ContactEmail: info@ This release contains certain 'forward looking statements' and certain 'forward-looking information' as defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'may', 'will', 'expect', 'intend', 'estimate', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'continue', 'plans' or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the project's ability to revolutionize the delivery of medical supplies, providing timely and cost-effective solutions for home-based healthcare and emergency responses. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company's business, operations and financial condition; the successful integration of technology; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates; the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the Company's most recent filings filed with securities regulators in Canada on the SEDAR website at and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on EDGAR through the SEC's website at The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements' best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
