Revolutionizing Education and Research: Naval Postgraduate School Harnesses AI and Simulation Technologies

At NVIDIA’s Santa Clara headquarters, a crucial partnership was forged last month. Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau, President of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and Ned Finkle, NVIDIA’s Vice President of External Affairs, signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). This collaboration targets the development of AI-based technologies aiming for real-world applications and educational enhancements.

According to Kaitie Penry, director of emerging technology and innovation at NPS, the initiative with NVIDIA is pivotal. “Working with NVIDIA will drive groundbreaking innovation and enhance capabilities for the Navy,” she explained, emphasizing its incorporation into the Naval Innovation Center at NPS.

AI and autonomy remain critical in the 2023 National Defense Science and Technology Strategy. Integrating these elements into NPS’s advanced student education is essential in developing skilled leaders for the future. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro supports this sentiment, highlighting the collaboration’s role in maintaining a maritime advantage through rapid technological development.

The Chief of Naval Operations’ NAVPLAN 2024 outlines AI’s significance in improving decision-making and planning. Equally crucial is the role of AI-based training and education, which should be employed effectively within naval forces.

Advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) applications benefit from innovation in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) technologies. NPS excels in such education, notably through its MOVES Institute, establishing itself as a hub for this collaboration with NVIDIA.

The collaborative efforts under NVIDIA’s AI Technology Center Program hold promise. NPS and NVIDIA will engage in research, education, and industry-oriented discussions. Initial projects will focus on ‘Non-Physics Modeling and Scenario Generation’ for naval-specific mission planning.

NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform plays a significant role here. It aids in developing digital twin applications across various industries. Additionally, the program offers education in AI and M&S, applicable to real-world scenarios like disaster relief planning.

Jimmie Adkins, NVIDIA’s director of federal, highlighted the importance of AI training. “Training future leaders in AI is key to addressing complex challenges,” Adkins noted, praising the collaboration for providing students with vital, real-time simulation tools.

Born from existing relationships in M&S technologies, the collaboration stands to push the Navy forward in AI education. Both institutions anticipate shared insights that will produce highly skilled, innovative leaders from NPS.

During the CRADA signing, Adm. Rondeau emphasized the transformative goal of NPS. She remarked, “NPS acts as a catalyst for impactful change, not merely providing education but ensuring tangible outcomes.”

Discussions with NVIDIA continue to advance, as seen at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference in Orlando. Projects were reviewed with an emphasis on enabling rapid technological adoption. Secretary Del Toro, an NPS alumnus, personally encouraged the partnership’s swift progression.

(The CRADA signing does not equate to an endorsement of NVIDIA’s products by NPS, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense.)

The purpose of the Naval Postgraduate School is to endow graduate education and interdisciplinary research, fostering operational and technological leadership within naval services.