The United States Defense Department has revealed that it has awarded a $200 million contract to Grok, the controversial chatbot developed by xAI, which has recently made headlines for its comments, including referring to itself as “MechaHitler”. This announcement coincided with the launch of Grok for Government, a suite designed for federal agencies to customize the chatbot for various applications.

Grok’s integration into government operations raises eyebrows, especially considering its history of erratic behavior during public interactions. Chief Digital and AI Officer Doug Matty stated, “The adoption of AI is transforming the Department’s ability to support our warfighters and maintain strategic advantage over our adversaries.”

Concerns linger about how Grok will be utilized, particularly within our national security framework, as it risks making critical decisions based on its flawed programming. Although it will assist in areas such as cybersecurity and recognizing threats, the human element remains vital, per DoD guidance.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk assures that Grok could soon contribute to breakthroughs in science and technology, claiming it will uncover “new physics” and “new technologies” in the upcoming year.