Uptake is bringing its artificial intelligence technology to the United States Army to help predict when combat machines will fail.
Uptake announced Tuesday that the Army will use its predictive analytics software on its Bradley Fighting Vehicles, the armored vehicles typically used to carry infantry into battle. Uptake landed the deal through a prototype award facilitated by Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, a group within the Department of Defense that helps the U.S. Military efficiently deploy commercial technology.
The Army will use Uptake's software to help predict component failures on the Bradley, decreasing unscheduled maintenance and improving the overall productivity of the machine, the company said.
“The military has the most sophisticated and important assets that we rely on for our national security. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle must be ready at a moment’s notice," Uptake President Ganesh Bell said in a statement. "Leveraging AI will provide the United States a strategic edge to keep our country secure and the warfighter safe."
The deal is yet another vote of confidence for the young, fast-growing Chicago startup. Uptake launched in 2014 and has raised around $260 million as it works to help industrial customers in a range of industries use predictive analytics to help their equipment run better. Uptake's customers include Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Caterpillar, though the company redeemed its investment in Uptake in 2017. Caterpillar was among the company's earliest investors, backing Uptake’s $45 million round in October 2015.
Uptake also has customers in aviation, rail, mining and oil and gas.
Uptake has around 800 employees and is one of Chicago's most high-profile startups, valued at more than $2 billion.
