AFRL Secures Grant for New AI, Machine Learning Lab

The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate has received a $4 million grant from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to establish the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research Center Capability Project.

The lab space at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio will focus on interactive data visualization in a 6,000-square-foot space, the AFRL said.

The AIMR-2C will provide several features for enhanced remote collaboration, allowing AFRL experts and partners to share data and develop models more effectively. The lab will also include a dedicated research server cluster for real-time processing and visualization of large datasets.

Dr. Eric Harper, technical lead of the AIMR-2C project, said the lab will help researchers leverage AI and machine learning to streamline the materials design process and accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

Additionally, the project is expected to create new construction and STEM jobs, drawing top talent to the area. Its location is also ideal for maximizing existing partnerships, including collaboration with local academic institutions such as the Air Force Institute of Technology and Wright State University.

Construction is projected to begin in April 2025, with an anticipated completion date of June 2026.