Google and the US military have formed a partnership to enhance disaster management through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This collaboration is part of a larger trend of tech companies working with defense organizations to provide support.

Google Collaborates with US National Guard

The Washington Post reports that Google has announced it will provide the National Guard with AI tools to analyze images of disaster areas, enabling faster and more efficient response times.

Bellwether, a team within Alphabet's innovation lab, has developed technology that can automatically identify locations, roads, buildings, and other significant infrastructure by analyzing angled aerial photos and comparing them with satellite imagery and maps. The National Guard has been testing this technology in preparation for the summer wildfire season.

Google's Foray into AI

Google's support for the US military comes as the company is increasingly investing in AI technology. Google has begun trialing AI-generated search answers in the UK, a feature known as "Search Generative Experience." This innovation aims to change how users receive search results from the world's largest search engine.

Despite Google's established reputation, Microsoft's Bing search engine has recently introduced Copilot AI, posing a significant threat to the tech giant. To stay ahead of the competition, Google is integrating AI into its services.

Google's AI Saves Time in Disaster Response

The Washington Post also notes that, before the new AI assistance, the National Guard had to rely on human analysts to carefully examine aerial photos and determine the extent of damage to areas, buildings, and infrastructure following a disaster. With Google's AI support, this process is significantly expedited, saving valuable time in disaster response efforts.