A recent study from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) indicated that the DPRK is actively developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities, employing these technologies in various domains such as responding to COVID-19, safeguarding nuclear reactors, conducting wargaming simulations, and enhancing government surveillance.

According to study author Hyuk Kim, international sanctions related to the DPRK's nuclear weapons program may have posed obstacles to acquiring AI hardware. Despite these challenges, the country is determined to pursue cutting-edge technology.

"North Korea’s recent endeavours in AI/ML development signify a strategic investment to bolster its digital economy," stated Kim in the report published on Tuesday by the 38 North project. The study drew on open-source information, including state media and journals.

New DPRK unmanned artificial intelligence tractor design ✨ pic.twitter.com/wvbsyQZMaa

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According to the report, the DPRK established the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute in 2013, noting that recent years have seen the promotion of commercial products featuring AI by several DPRK companies.

The study also found that some DPRK researchers worked in joint collaboration with foreign scholars, including those in China. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the DPRK developed AI to create a model for evaluating proper mask usage and prioritizing clinical symptom indicators of infection, as detailed in the report.

Kim also noted that DPRK scientists have published research on using AI to maintain the safety of nuclear reactors. The UN nuclear watchdog and independent experts reported last month that a new reactor at the DPRK's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears to be operating, potentially contributing to the production of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

Kim raised serious concerns regarding this.

"For instance, North Korea’s pursuit of a wargaming simulation program using (machine learning) reveals intentions to better comprehend operational environments against potential adversaries," Kim wrote.

"Furthermore, North Korea’s ongoing collaborations with foreign scholars pose concerns for the sanctions regime."

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The DPRK recently conducted succesful tests of its "underwater nuclear weapon system". 

On January 19, state news agency KCNA reported that Pyongyang "conducted an important test of its underwater nuclear weapon system 'Haeil-5-23' under development in the East Sea of Korea."

The drills were in response to provocations on part of the US, South Korea and Japan who have been frequently conducting joint naval exercises in the Korean peninsula.

At Pyongyang's policy meetings last month, Kim threatened a nuclear attack and called for a build-up of his country's military arsenal ahead of armed conflict he warned could "break out any time."

On January 15, the DPRK launched a solid-fuel hypersonic missile, just days after it staged live-fire exercises near the country's tense maritime border with South Korea, which prompted counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some border islands belonging to the South.