Boston Dynamics, a robotics company known for its advanced humanoid and quadrupedal robots, has made significant strides in recent years. Its robots have been developed to perform a wide range of tasks, from warehouse automation and construction to search and rescue operations. However, with the increasing sophistication of robotic technology, concerns have been raised about the possibility of robots being used for more sinister purposes, or as lethal autonomous weapons.
What is a lethal autonomous weapon?
Lethal autonomous weapons are a type of automatic system that can independently search for and engage targets without the control of a human. LAWs are also known as lethal autonomous weapon systems, autonomous weapon systems, robotic weapons or killer robots.
Some robotics companies already make lethal autonomous weapons, such as Ghost Robotics. They have built a quadrupedal robot – essentially a robot dog – which small arms specialist Sword International has equipped with a SPUR – special purpose unmanned rifle. It has 30x optical zoom, thermal camera for targeting in the dark and an effective range of 1,200 metres.
Are killer robots legal?
The development of “killer robots” is a controversial issue that raises ethical questions about the use of technology in warfare. While some argue that robots can reduce the risk of human casualties in combat, others fear that they could make decisions that would violate the rules of war or that they could malfunction and cause unintended harm.
Military planners and law enforcement officials are focused on protecting their own soldiers. And if they can send a robot with a gun into a dangerous situation rather than a person with a gun – they protect the lives of their people.
While the development of “killer robots” raises serious concerns, the potential benefits of robotics in fields such as healthcare and industry cannot be ignored. As with any emerging technology, it is important to balance the potential benefits with the risks and to ensure that ethical guidelines are in place to prevent abuse.
What are robots capable of doing?
Despite these concerns, the potential applications of robots are vast and varied. They could be used to improve safety in dangerous jobs such as mining, firefighting, and bomb disposal. They could also be used to improve efficiency in industries like manufacturing and transportation. In healthcare, robots could be used to perform surgeries, assist with physical therapy, and monitor patients’ vital signs.
Robots are already beginning to affect our lives in numerous ways. They are increasingly used in everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and entertainment. As the technology advances, robots will likely become even more integrated into our daily routines, from automated transportation systems to personal assistants that can anticipate our needs and preferences.
The impact of robotics on our society will continue to be a topic of debate, but one thing is clear: robots are already changing the way we live and work, and their influence will only continue to grow in the years to come.
If you want to learn more about how robots will impact our lives and the dangers of lethal autonomous weapons, check out our recent episode of The Dive!