For some time now, we have been witnessing the transformative effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. Unlike previous industrial revolutions and their respective technologies, this ongoing revolution is renewing every aspect of our lives. The main reason for this massive impact is that AI, often referred to as a force multiplier due to its dual-use capabilities, can be integrated into virtually every domain to enhance and automate processes. The deep and wide-reaching impact of AI explains its widespread adoption and the profound changes we are experiencing.
The breadth and depth of AI applications has given rise to a new concept: “personalization of technology.” In essence, AI's versatility allows it to be customized for different purposes and integrated into different domains, from military applications to everyday life. This personalization means that AI can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, making it a unique and far-reaching force in both your everyday experiences and areas of expertise.
Apple's new “personal assistant”
One example of the personalization of technology is Apple's recently announced new system, “Apple Intelligence.” Apple Intelligence has at its core the concept of personal intelligence, and aims to transform devices from mere communication tools into personal assistants. In collaboration with OpenAI, Apple devices will be able to customize their services to meet the needs of each individual user.
For example, Siri can organize your schedule, create videos from simple prompts, generate new emojis (now called “genmoji”) with the faces of your friends and family, and customize the tone of your emails based on the purpose of the email. One particularly impressive feature of this new system is its ability to remember and recognize all the information stored on your device. It can identify family members, recall activities with friends last week, keep track of upcoming events, and more, acting like a personal assistant you carry with you everywhere.
These advancements are made possible by the continued development of AI, particularly in natural language processing, and the deeper integration of AI into Apple devices. This evolution not only improves functionality, but also makes the technology more user-friendly and intuitive.
Personalized Technology in the Military Sector
But Apple's new system is not the only example of technology personalization. One key area where this trend is developing is the military sector, which is particularly noteworthy because of its profound impact on other sectors and international relations. Technology personalization in the military context means a focus on the individual application and adaptation of AI within the military sector, which is shaped primarily by the specific threats and national interests each country faces. As a result, while some countries prioritize integrating AI into their counterterrorism strategies, others may use AI to strengthen the military status quo.
Specifically, China, which is engaged in great power competition with the United States, is strengthening its military capabilities to achieve its goal of national rejuvenation and aims to become a world-class military power by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. To achieve this goal, China has announced plans to complete the modernization of its military by leveraging emerging technologies, particularly AI.
When considering the military domains in which China has been most active in adopting AI, the naval domain dominates. This focus is geopolitically strategic, given that Taiwan remains a contentious issue for China and competition with the United States is a major foreign policy driver.
In particular, China has invested heavily in unmanned underwater vehicles. Innovations such as “Robo-Sharks” and “Robo-Fish” and advanced AI-driven submarines are central to China's military strategy. These technologies enhance China's maritime capabilities and provide advanced surveillance and defense mechanisms. The use of AI in these domains allows for real-time data processing and decision-making, providing a significant strategic advantage in both defensive and offensive operations.
In contrast, the United States has integrated AI in the aviation domain primarily through drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized modern warfare by providing unparalleled surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted attack capabilities. However, recognizing China's strategic advances in the naval domain, the United States has recently begun to shift its focus to incorporating AI into its naval forces, with a prime example being the Sea Hunter, an autonomous unmanned surface vehicle. This shift serves as a response to Chinese advances and is intended to maintain a balance of power and technological superiority.
Strengthening AI in Türkiye's anti-PKK operations
Similarly, Turkey has been incorporating AI into its military, primarily through drones, reflecting its focus on combating terrorist threats from the PKK and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG, along its borders. With AI built into their systems, drones such as the TB2, Anka, and Akıncı have become essential for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes against terrorists. AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential threats in real time has significantly enhanced Turkey's border security and counterterrorism efforts.
Another example is the situation in the Balkans. Many countries in the Balkans are unable to manufacture their own drones and therefore purchase them from other countries, such as Turkey. The main motivation for these developments is the need to protect borders. Given the geopolitical complexities of the region, AI-enabled drones represent a cost-effective and efficient means of monitoring borders, preventing illegal crossings, and ensuring national security.
As we can see, each country has tailored the use and application of AI in their military based on their own needs and goals. At this point, it is important to mention that the difference between AI and traditional technologies such as nuclear technology is noteworthy. Nuclear technology is powerful, but its applications are limited.
In contrast, AI is highly adaptable and versatile, and can be integrated into a wide range of military technologies to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness. This adaptability makes AI a force multiplier, transforming traditional military assets into highly intelligent and efficient tools.
For this reason, it is important to emphasize that personalization of AI technologies in the military domain represents a major departure from the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional technology. AI can be tailored to specific operational needs, such as strengthening China's underwater surveillance, improving U.S. aerial reconnaissance, or strengthening Turkey's border security in the Balkans. This level of customization allows militaries to leverage AI to address their unique challenges and strategic objectives.
Personalization of technology, especially the integration of AI, is transforming every aspect of our lives. Unlike previous technologies, AI's adaptability and versatility allows it to be customized to specific needs and uses. Hence the development of Apple's “Personal Intelligence” system that turns your phone into a personal assistant, and countries adopting different AI strategies based on national interests and goals.
However, in addition to improved user experience, customized solutions across sectors, and strategic military advancements, the future of AI-enabled personalized technology also brings evolving ethical and regulatory challenges. As AI is integrated into various domains, the complexity and scope of these challenges will grow. It is therefore critical to rapidly address these issues by establishing robust regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible and fair use of AI.
