Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has announced his new status as a “licensed arms dealer,” saying he intends to use his knowledge of artificial intelligence to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, Business Insider reports.
During a lecture at Stanford University in April 2024, Schmidt talked about his new AI initiative. He is working with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun to create a company called White Stork. The startup specializes in developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with artificial intelligence to detect targets.
Schmidt said his personal outrage at watching Russian troops destroy residential buildings prompted him to take action. He stressed that the White Stork startup has two main goals: creating sophisticated 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 “government support,” White Stork drones are already arriving in Ukraine, where they will be used to fight 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 arms dealer. Computer scientist, businessman, arms dealer. I don’t recommend you do this as a career, I would rather do artificial intelligence,” Schmidt added.
