New Gen AI tool accelerates workflows across Mindef, SAF

DSTA to experiment with Razer gaming controllers to operate devices like drones

- Ng Wei Kai Correspondent

A new tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up work in the Defence Ministry and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

Called Gaia, it can be used to help staff retrieve information, and generate reports and analysis for example, helping them to quickly answer policy questions.

DSTA unveiled Gaia, short for Generative Al Assistant, at a Sept 16 media briefing, ahead of an event marking its 25th anniversary on Sept 19.

The AI tool was conceived and developed in 2023, with the goal of accelerating operational and administrative workflows across Mindef and the SAF, said DSTA.

“Built with flexibility and scalability in mind, Gaia allows us to swop between different LLMs (large language models) so that we can use the model that best suits each use case,” DSTA said.

LLMs are AI systems trained on massive amounts of text to understand and generate responses in plain language.

DSTA said Gaia will continue to be “tuned” with actual data so that it can serve as a smart assistant that supports day-to-day decision-making and operations.

At the briefing, DSTA chief executive Ng Chad-Son also announced that the agency will collaborate with gaming company Razer to experiment with using gaming controllers to operate machinery like drones.

“We will integrate our robotics command and control system with Razer gaming controllers... This will allow many young soldiers to have a familiar gaming interface.”

These updates are part of efforts by DSTA to keep pace with global changes.

Drones and robotics are now common on battlefields, as seen in recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, and tech development cycles have drastically shortened.

DSTA deputy chief executive of information Gayle Chan said the agency has seen the rapid adoption of low-cost commercial tech for defence purposes.