Northrop, Universities Form AI, Machine Learning Research Consortium; Eric Reinke Quoted

Northrop Grumman has formed an alliance with eight universities to explore machine learning and artificial intelligence platforms.

The company said Tuesday it will provide $1.2M in total funds to three groups from the Research in Applications for Learning Machines consortium to help address key customer requirements through applied research.

Researchers will share on a $1.2M funding from Northrop and analyze the use of AI technology to multi-sensor track classification, quantitative dynamic adaptive planning, identification and correlation and situational knowledge.

“In today’s environment, machine learning, cognition and artificial intelligence are dramatically reshaping the way machines support customers in their mission,” said Eric Reinke, vice president and chief scientist of Northrop's mission systems business.

“The highly complex and dynamic nature of the mission demands an integrated set of technologies and we are excited to partner with academia to enhance our customers mission," Reinke added.

REALM members include Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Stanford University, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Maryland, College Park.