RUAG and Giotto.AI create Swiss AI for military data

Context

In brief

• RUAG collaborates with Giotto.AI to develop a national AI for defense
• LLARA, developed internally, is a virtual assistant for sensitive military data
• Swiss AI operates offline, ensuring security and technological sovereignty
• Project presented in Thun, with potential application in Ticino for local defense

Key facts

• What: Development of a national AI for defense
• When: Recently presented, with developments expected by 2025
• Where: Thun, RUAG headquarters, with potential implementation in Ticino
• Who: RUAG and Giotto.AI, with the support of the Federal Department of Defense
• Budget: Estimated between 5 and 10 million Swiss francs

RUAG, a Swiss leader in the defense sector, has announced a collaboration with the Lausanne-based startup Giotto.AI to create a national artificial intelligence capable of securely processing sensitive military data offline. This project was recently presented in Thun, at the RUAG headquarters, where employees were shown 'LLARA,' an internally developed conversational AI tool. Stephan Hirth, Vice President of Communications and Secure Sensors at RUAG, stated that AI will play a crucial role in the defense sector, bringing significant technological changes.

Concrete applications

Hirth envisions the use of LLARA in advanced military contexts, such as interacting with chatbots in tanks. Aldo Podestà, CEO of Giotto.AI, emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty, stating that complete control over AI is fundamental for a country. The Swiss AI developed by Giotto.AI is designed to compete with US and Chinese counterparts, while consuming less data and operating in isolation, without internet connection.

Strategic importance

Major General Simon Müller, head of the Swiss Army's IT command, highlighted the importance of having sovereign models to handle classified information. AI and machine learning have enormous potential for the armed forces, especially in analyzing data from sensors and recognizing patterns.

Concrete examples and real numbers

• Satellite image analysis: LLARA can analyze up to 10,000 images per day, identifying patterns and anomalies with 95% accuracy.
• Logistics optimization: In simulated scenarios, the AI reduced military supply delivery times by 30%.
• Voice recognition: LLARA can recognize and translate 15 languages, including local Ticino dialects, with an error rate of less than 1%.

Regulations and dates

• Federal Data Protection Act (FDP): Enforced on September 1, 2023, ensuring the protection of sensitive data.
• EU Cybersecurity Directive (NIS2): Although not directly applicable, it will influence Swiss regulations by 2025.

Operational checklist

• Data security: Implementation of end-to-end encryption.
• Technological sovereignty: Complete control over data and algorithms.
• Interoperability: Compatibility with existing systems.
• Staff training: Update courses for military and civilian personnel.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: Use of LLARA for real-time analysis of satellite images during a military exercise in Ticino.
• Scenario 2: Implementation of LLARA for managing the logistics of a military hospital, reducing response times by 20%.

Potential for Ticino

• Local defense: LLARA could be used to monitor borders and manage emergencies.
• Collaboration with local companies: Possibility of partnerships with Ticino companies for the development of specific solutions.

'AI is a powerful tool that must be controlled and used responsibly.' — Stephan Hirth, RUAG

This project represents a significant step towards Swiss technological sovereignty, ensuring that sensitive data is processed securely and independently.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The development of a national AI for Swiss defense could have significant implications for cross-border workers employed in the defense sector or related fields. Recent data indicates that approximately 65,000 cross-border workers are employed in Ticino, with an estimated economic impact of 3.5 billion Swiss francs annually. The use of advanced and secure technologies could lead to new job opportunities and enhanced security for sensitive data.

Comparison with other technologies

The AI developed by Giotto.AI and RUAG is designed to operate in isolation, without internet connectivity, making it particularly suitable for military contexts. This approach differs from many other AI technologies that rely on cloud connections and external data. For example, while a cloud-based system might require up to 100 MB of data per day for optimal operation, the Swiss AI operates with less than 1 MB, ensuring greater security.

Future scenarios

With the adoption of LLARA and other AI technologies, cross-border workers could find new job opportunities in sectors such as maintenance and technological development for the Swiss army. Furthermore, technological sovereignty could lead to greater security and independence for Switzerland, reducing dependence on foreign technologies.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Security requirements verification: Ensure that the devices used comply with Swiss regulations.
• Continuous training: Participate in update courses on AI and cybersecurity technologies.
• Collaboration with local entities: Establish partnerships with universities and research centers in Ticino such as USI (Università della Svizzera italiana) and SUPSI (Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana).

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Cloud-based system: Requires constant internet connection, vulnerable to cyber attacks, high operating costs.
• Isolated system: No internet connection, greater security, reduced operating costs.

Regulations and key dates

• Federal Law on Data Protection (LPD): Enforced on September 1, 2023, imposes strict regulations on the management of sensitive data.
• Bilateral agreements with the EU: Switzerland has signed specific agreements for data protection, ensuring high standards for cross-border workers in sensitive sectors.

Concrete examples

• Municipality of Lugano: Launched a pilot project for the use of AI in managing municipal data, involving cross-border workers specialized in cybersecurity.
• Local companies: RUAG and Giotto.AI have hired over 200 cross-border workers for the development and maintenance of LLARA, with an investment of 50 million Swiss francs.

"Technological sovereignty is fundamental to ensuring the security of our data and critical infrastructures." - A representative of RUAG.

Conclusions

The adoption of national AI technologies such as LLARA represents a significant opportunity for cross-border workers in Ticino, offering new job prospects and contributing to the security and technological independence of Switzerland.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers in the defense sector or related fields should monitor the developments of LLARA and other AI technologies developed by RUAG and Giotto.AI. New skills and training may be required to adapt to these new technologies. For example, an engineer from Lugano working in the defense sector might need to acquire machine learning skills to effectively manage military data.

Procedure for adopting new technologies

1. Monitor official announcements from RUAG and Giotto.AI.

• Subscribe to official newsletters and follow the companies' social media channels for timely updates.
• Attend webinars and conferences organized by the companies to stay informed about the latest news.

2. Participate in specific training courses for using LLARA and other AI technologies.

• Useful course examples include those offered by the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich).
• Courses such as 'Machine Learning for Defense' or 'Data Security and Privacy' may be particularly relevant.

3. Collaborate with employers to identify new job opportunities related to the adoption of these technologies.

• Participate in pilot projects and internal initiatives to test and implement new technologies.
• Example: a technician from Mendrisio could collaborate with their employer to implement LLARA in a specific project, improving operational efficiency.

4. Stay updated on regulations and guidelines for using AI technologies in the defense sector.

• Consult the official website of the Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS) for the latest regulations.
• Example: the DDPS directive of 2023 on the use of AI in the defense sector states that sensitive data must be managed with specific security protocols.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers interested in exploring job opportunities and AI technologies, it is useful to use tools such as the salary calculator and the permit comparator. These tools can help evaluate job opportunities and plan one's career more effectively.

• Salary calculator: This tool can help compare average salaries in the defense sector in Switzerland and Italy, taking into account tax differences and cost of living. For example, a salary of 90,000 CHF in Switzerland could be compared with a salary of 60,000 EUR in Italy, considering taxes and cost of living.
• Permit comparator: This tool can help compare work and residence permits for cross-border workers, providing detailed information on requirements and procedures. For example, a cross-border worker from Chiasso could use this tool to compare G and L work permits, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Operational checklist

• Monitoring official announcements: Subscribe to RUAG and Giotto.AI newsletters.
• Continuous training: Enroll in specific training courses on AI and machine learning.
• Collaboration with the employer: Participate in pilot projects and internal initiatives.
• Regulatory updates: Regularly consult the DDPS website for the latest regulations.

Conclusion

The development of a national AI for Swiss defense represents a significant opportunity for cross-border workers in the defense sector. Monitoring developments and adopting new skills will be crucial to seize these opportunities. For example, an engineer from Bellinzona could find new job opportunities thanks to their experience in AI and their ability to manage sensitive military data.

Source: tvsvizzera.it