logo
episode-header-image
Nov 14
17m 28s

The ex-soldier building defence software

Bbc World Service
About this episode

As war becomes more high tech than ever, artificial intelligence companies are making software which is increasingly being used on the battlefield.

Will Blyth served in the British military as an army major and has used this experience to build his own company, connecting hardware systems from different manufacturers deployed by armed forces.

Presented and produced by Rob Young

(Picture: Will Blyth. Credit: Arondite)

Up next
Today
The cocoa conundrum
<p>Can Europe be weaned off cheap chocolate? EU efforts to block cocoa linked to deforestation were due to come into force at the end of this year – but have faced multiple delays. Another vote is due to take place soon. Some parties are pushing for further delay and modification ... Show More
20m 42s
Yesterday
Is this the end for South East Asia's scam centres?
<p>It’s one of the biggest human trafficking operations of modern times. Scam centres across South East Asia have been making hundreds of billions of dollars annually, it’s estimated, conning people into fake crypto-currency investment schemes. </p><p>But now these centres could ... Show More
18m 29s
Nov 24
Monetising Machu Picchu
<p>Peru is home to Machu Picchu - the ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains. </p><p>It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popular tourist destination attracts millions of visitors, making it very lucrative for the government, local a ... Show More
17m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
The AI arsenal that could stop World War III | Palmer Luckey
<p>AI in warfare is no longer hypothetical; it's inevitable, says Palmer Luckey, an inventor and founder of the defense technology company Anduril Industries. He takes us inside the high-tech arms race to build AI-powered weapons, "killer robots" and autonomous fighter jets at sc ... Show More
16m 28s
May 2024
British military's 'game-changing' use of 3D printers
Larisa Brown, Defence Editor for The Times, explains how the British army is using 3D printing technology to manufacture parts for use on the frontline. Plus, former MI6 intelligence officer, Christopher Steele, on the new tactics Russia is using to disrupt western elections. The ... Show More
10m 11s
Mar 2018
Creating a Mission-Based Manufacturing Process That Gives Jobs to Military Spouses
<p>In this episode of Shopify Masters, you’ll learn from two military spouses who became entrepreneurs to create a network of independent manufacturers to produce their products and to provide jobs for others like them.</p> <p>Show Notes: http://www.shopify.com/blogs/blog/militar ... Show More
42m 30s
Jun 2025
Silicon Valley Warriors
Donald Trump recently announced a defence budget of more than one trillion dollars, much of which will be funnelled to private companies – and increasingly to tech firms such as Space X and Palantir. Laleh Khalili joins Thomas Jones to discuss the relationship between Silicon Val ... Show More
54m 46s
May 2025
Future weapons: Rearming Europe
For European leaders, the war in Ukraine has strained relations with the US and prompted major questions about how the continent will defend itself in the future. Governments are boosting defence spending and defence tech companies' valuations have risen, particularly after the e ... Show More
27m 11s
Apr 2025
#190 Shyam Sankar - Chief Technology Officer of Palantir: The Future of Warfare
Shyam Sankar is the Chief Technology Officer at Palantir Technologies. A builder at heart, he’s spent over 20 years designing and deploying cutting-edge software and AI for both government and private sector partners. As Palantir’s 13th hire, Shyam helped take the company from sc ... Show More
2h 18m
Jul 2023
Tech and AI: 7. Where is AI working already?
Artificial Intelligence is already here. It's being used in products and services you already use, and is working behind the scenes in medicine, transportation, robotics, science, education, the military, surveillance, finance , agriculture, entertainment, retail, customer servic ... Show More
14m 24s
Oct 2
How startups could be affected by a prolonged government shutdown, plus Oneleet raises $33M to shake up the world of security compliance
The U.S. government shutdown could stifle deal flow, freeze visa processing for workers, and cause other problems for startups and the broader tech sector, especially if it lasts longer than a week, according to experts who spoke to TechCrunch. Also, Bryan Onel’s father was a loc ... Show More
10m 54s
Sep 2024
Machina Labs’ Edward Mehr on Autonomous Blacksmith Bots and More - Ep. 232
Edward Mehr works where AI meets the anvil. The company he cofounded, Machina Labs, blends the latest advancements in robotics and AI to form metal into countless shapes for use in defense, aerospace, and more. The company’s applications accelerate design and innovation, enabling ... Show More
37m 25s