MONTEREY, California: A new report by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California stated that North Korea is developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for everything, including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining nuclear reactors, wargaming simulations and government surveillance.

The report’s author, Hyuk Kim from the CNS, said that international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons program may have hindered North Korea’s attempts to secure AI hardware, but it appears to be pursuing the latest technology.

“North Korea’s recent endeavors in AI/ML development signify a strategic investment to bolster its digital economy,” Kim said.

The report, published this week by the 38 North project, cited open-source information, such as state media and journals.

It also stated that some North Korean AI researchers have collaborated with foreign scholars, including experts from China.

On January 24, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said that it has detected signs that North Korean hackers have used generative AI to search for targets and develop technologies required for hacking.

It was closely monitoring the situation, the intelligence agency added.

The report said that in 2013, North Korea established the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, and several North Korean companies have promoted commercial products featuring AI in recent years.

In the report, Kim said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea utilized AI to create a model for assessing mask usage and prioritizing clinical symptom and infection indicators.

The report added that North Korean scientists have also published research into using AI to maintain the safety of nuclear reactors.