Robot Warriors: The Debate on Autonomous Weapons

Referencing and links have been added.

The development of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), or "killer robots," is a major topic of debate in AI.

1  Key Arguments and Drivers

1. Proponents argue that wars fought by machines could be more humane and reduce human rights abuses compared to wars fought by human soldiers. 
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3. They believe technology must be used to prevent unjust human slaughter on the battlefield.
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5. The primary goal for many militaries is to save soldiers' lives by using robots in the line of fire.
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7. A key idea is that, unlike humans, robots could be programmed to not break the rules of war.

2   Current Status and Technology

2.1

1. The development of LAWS is accelerating, with many countries seeking this technology.
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3. Robots already assist on the battlefield by carrying equipment, dismantling bombs, and providing surveillance.
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5. Newer systems are capable of selecting and engaging targets with little or no human intervention, sometimes only requiring human authorization to fire.

2.2  Examples: 

1. The US Navy's Phalanx system (performing its own 'kill assessment'), the UK's crewless jet prototype Taranis, Russia's 'mobile robotic complex' (a crewless tank-like guard vehicle), and South Korea's Super Aegis II gun turret (reportedly able to fire on moving targets without supervision).
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3. Arms manufacturers suggest that technology is no longer the limiting factor; future restrictions on autonomous weapons will be due to policy, not capability.

3   International Concerns and Rules

3.1  

1. The issue is rising on the international agenda, with the United Nations frequently discussing LAWS.
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3. Groups like the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots are strongly opposed.
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5. Nine nations have called for a ban, and many others insist that humans must retain ultimate control.

3.2   All weapons, including robots, must comply with existing rules of war, which require:

1. Weapons must be able to discriminate between civilians and soldiers.
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3. Civilians and civilian property must not be intentionally targeted.
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5. The use of force must be proportional (collateral damage cannot outweigh the military advantage).

4   Real-World Autonomy

1. A non-military example, the COTSbot (a robot deployed on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to kill coral-wrecking starfish), demonstrates that the technology for robots to autonomously select and decide to kill targets is already available. 
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3. This is seen as a test case for accuracy, safety, and autonomy in a less critical environment, proving that advanced autonomous systems are becoming a reality.

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