Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has announced his new status as a "licensed arms dealer," saying he intends to use his expertise in artificial intelligence to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. This is reported by Business Insider.
During a lecture at Stanford University in April 2024, Schmidt talked about his new initiative in the field of artificial intelligence. He is working with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun to create a company called White Stork. This startup specializes in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with artificial intelligence to detect targets.
Schmidt noted that his personal outrage from watching the aggressive actions of Russian troops destroying residential buildings prompted him to act. He emphasized that the White Stork startup has two main goals: creating complex robots based on artificial intelligence and reducing the cost of their production. According to Schmidt, reducing the cost of such robots could reduce the need for traditional ground combat and artillery attacks.
Schmidt explained that thanks to the "support of governments" White Stork drones are already arriving in Ukraine, where they will be used to fight against the aggressor. He noted that this new status as an arms dealer is part of his efforts in the field of artificial intelligence, although he jokingly warned that the path may not be easy for others.
“Because of the way the system works, I am now a licensed gun dealer. Computer scientist, businessman, arms dealer. I don't recommend you do this in your career, I'd rather do artificial intelligence," Schmidt added.
