My brother was a SEAL, I was an engineer, and we started Shield AI to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Our first objective was to build an AI-powered quadcopter to clear buildings of threats—the mission my brother and his teammates often executed, and the mission that killed more service members and civilians than any other in the preceding twenty years.
Strong technical foundations only go so far; Brandon knew I needed a better understanding of the problem to contribute effectively. So, he and a few of his teammates gave me a crash course in building clearance. After bumbling through a day of mistimed movements, wrong turns, and muzzle violations, I left with intense gratitude for the service of my brother, his teammates, and all service members who put themselves in harm’s way.
Even in a threatless environment, the feeling of vulnerability as I rounded each corner was immense.
“This is completely crazy; I can’t believe you guys do this,” I said.
“We just need to be faster and better than the other guys,” he replied.
Wearing armor oversized for my frame, I asked, “Is this the right size? I think it’s too small.”
“It protects what matters,” he told me, “except your crotch.”
Shield AI's AI piloted quadcopter, Nova, was delivered three years later in 2018 and became the first AI piloted aircraft used in combat. I never got good at room clearing.
Picture: Me, clueless, trying to look cool, 2015.
cc Brandon Tseng