Technology Comparison

Technology Evaluation for Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a global leader in aerospace and defense, specializing in the research, design, development, and integration of advanced technology systems and services. With a broad portfolio spanning Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems, and Technology Services, the company is focused on providing innovative solutions to meet the complex challenges of its clients.

This evaluation focuses on assessing the capabilities of various AI, NLP, and avatar solutions, specifically in relation to Northrop Grumman’s needs for 3D accelerated applications and real-time interactive systems. The following sections compare different platforms based on their ability to support critical functionalities like natural language processing (NLP), avatar speech synchronization, and integration with Unity.

Trade Comparison of Licenses, Unity Avatar Support, Natural Language Processing, and AI Platforms

The current needs of Northrop Grumman’s design and production team, as it pertains to NLP, Avatars, and AI in 3D accelerated applications, include:

Non-monotonic reasoning for natural language AI
Isolated or no network operation (operates without an internet connection)
Text-to-speech phoneme marker parsing (Avatar speech systems related – Viseme Tool)
Phoneme-to-viseme facial animation mapping (Avatar speech systems related – Viseme Tool)
Viseme animation blending (Avatar speech systems related – Viseme Tool for Unity)
Integrated support for Unity

Below is a trade comparison of popular natural language processing applications and how they relate to Northrop Grumman’s development needs for this initiative.

IBM Watson

IBM Watson is a natural language processing application that requires an internet connection to calculate usage costs. The cost is based on “Natural Language Understanding” (NLU) units and requires a subscription. All language queries are processed on IBM’s servers, located on the public WAN. It does not support speech, and while it supports Unity integration, there is no built-in support for avatars in the 3D virtual space. This would require custom development by the Northrop Grumman ART team.

Microsoft Bot Framework

The Microsoft Bot Framework relies on internet connectivity for language processing, with costs based on per-word calculations. Language queries are processed on Microsoft’s public WAN servers. The platform supports speech but lacks Unity integration and 3D avatar support. These features would need to be developed by Northrop Grumman’s ART team.

Wit.ai

Wit.ai is a natural language processing tool that requires an internet connection and offers free access. All language processing happens on Wit’s public servers. It supports speech, but lacks Unity integration and avatar support in virtual 3D environments, which would need to be handled by Northrop Grumman’s ART team.

Google Cloud Service Dialogflow

Dialogflow, developed by Google, is a natural language processing platform that relies on internet connectivity for query processing. Costs are based on per-query calculations, and language data is processed on Google servers in the public WAN. It supports VOIP, but does not integrate with Unity or support avatars in 3D virtual spaces. These capabilities would need to be custom-built by the ART team.

ChatterBot

ChatterBot is an open-source NLP solution that does not require internet connectivity and is free based on BSD licensing. It does not support speech or avatars in 3D environments, and does not integrate with Unity. Like other options, these functionalities would need to be developed by the ART team.

Cognitive Code – SILVIA

SILVIA, developed by Cognitive Code, is a local NLP solution that operates without requiring an internet connection. It is licensed on an annual basis, negotiated exclusively for Northrop Grumman. SILVIA supports speech via an API, which allows integration with any speech recognition software. It also integrates with Unity and provides robust support for avatars in 3D virtual spaces, making it a strong candidate for the needs of Northrop Grumman’s ART team.

Conclusion

Cognitive Code SILVIA offers the most complete support for Northrop Grumman’s efforts in Unity development, avatar integration, and AI-driven solutions. It provides seamless integration into the Unity development pipeline, as well as real-time avatar speech synchronization and lip-syncing. Additionally, SILVIA supports offline, isolated operations, ensuring that sensitive data can be processed securely and without reliance on internet connectivity. This makes it the ideal solution for Northrop Grumman’s complex needs in the development of advanced training systems and AI-driven applications.