Content-type: text/html
[] []
All Ethical Issues

Autonomous Weapons

Category: When It is Fundamentally Dubious

It seems commonsense to place the class of 'autonomous weapons' into the category of 'fundamentally dubious' applications of analytics. Even the U.S. Department of Defense agrees that there should be a "human-in-the-loop" approach to automated weapons systems. It also proposes policies to ensure that the weapons function as designed, and that force is applied only following approved rules of engagement (DoD, 2012). It should go without saying that the use of autonomous weapons raises a range of ethical issues.

The application of autonomous weapons may appear to have limited scope in learning analytics, however, even the DoD Directive allows for a class of "autonomous or semi-autonomous cyberspace systems for cyberspace operations" (Ibid) and these are not governed by the Directive cited above. And it is not unreasonable to speculate about the deployment of cybernetic systems of enforcement, punishment, or deterrent in AI-enabled learning management systems, for example, to prohibit cheating, enforce copyright regulations, or regulate unauthorized access to learning materials. Such systems could include, but are not limited to, the automated public disclosure of information or retaliatory measures such as malware or viruses.

Examples and Articles

Robot Dogs With Assault Rifles Unveiled at AUSA 2021 Convention
"Technology firm Ghost Robotics has unveiled a new version of its “robot dog,” or quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs), equipped with a 6.5-millimeter Creedmoor assault rifle. The latest variant, a collaboration between Ghost Robotics and SWORD International, was shown during the Association of the United States Army’s main annual convention in Washington, DC. The manufacturer said this Q-UGV can be instructed remotely to chamber the first round from an unloaded state, and then clear it and safe the gun. Although information about the newly-mounted rifle is limited, Ghost Robotics disclosed that the weapon is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 1,200 meters (0.7 miles). The robot also provides impressive stabilization to the rifles because of its quadrupedal design. According to a report by The Drive, the rifle could have “some degree of additional autonomy” because it is based on artificial intelligence, which enables the weapon to detect and lock on potential threats. The weapon also reportedly has a sound suppressor, making it more difficult for enemy soldiers to determine where the shooting is coming from." Direct Link

,

For the First Time, Drones Autonomously Attacked Humans. This Is a Turning Point.
"The world’s first recorded case of an autonomous drone attacking humans took place in March 2020, according to a United Nations (UN) security report detailing the ongoing Second Libyan Civil War." Popular Mechanics, June 1, 2021 Direct Link

Do you have another example of Autonomous Weapons? Suggest it here

Force:yes