Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has unveiled his latest venture, a drone startup called White Stork, which aims to provide AI-powered attack drones to support Ukraine. According to reports, Schmidt expressed his frustration over the devastation caused by the Russian military in Ukraine, motivating him to take action.
White Stork, co-founded with Udacity CEO Sebastian Thrun, plans to manufacture advanced drones equipped with AI technology to autonomously identify targets, potentially reducing the need for ground battles. Schmidt, who is now a licensed arms dealer, humorously remarked on his unusual career path, including his transition from a computer scientist to a businessman and arms dealer.
The company’s focus on mass-producing cost-effective drones aims to provide advanced technology directly to Ukraine with government support. Schmidt’s background in overseeing the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and his tenure as Google’s CEO positions White Stork as a significant player in the AI-driven drone market.
Schmidt made recent headlines critiquing Google’s approach to artificial intelligence, attributing the company’s supposed AI race losses to its work-life balance policies, particularly remote work arrangements. His comments questioned the impact of work flexibility on winning in the competitive field of AI, noting the importance of a startup work ethic that entails rigorous dedication.
As Schmidt navigates his new role in arms development and AI advancement through White Stork, his contribution to supporting Ukraine and reshaping the drone industry may pave the way for innovative solutions and heightened security measures in conflict zones.
