A group of scientists is campaigning for a preemptive ban on autonomous weapons technology that may someday power what they call "killer robots". Those who support the development of lethal autonomous weapons say using independently thinking machines could make wars more efficient and result in fewer civilian deaths, provided that the systems are programmed to make ethical decisions and follow international law.
With no international regulations and the world's superpowers eagerly pursuing military uses for artificial intelligence, the primary concern is that humanity is headed toward a future where armies of autonomous robots will fight man's wars with limited human oversight.
In this episode, we'll look at the debate over banning killer robots and examine the ethical issues of using artificial intelligence in warfare. Join the conversation at 1930GMT.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Paul Scharre @paul_scharre
Director, Technology and National Security Program, Center for a New American Security
paulscharre.com
Elke Schwarz @ElkeSchwarz
Lecturer in International Politics, University of Leicester
Alex Salkever @AlexSalkever
Author, "The Driver in the Driverless Car"
alexsalkever.com
Read more:
Killer robots: pressure builds for ban as governments meet - The Guardian
A global arms race for killer robots is transforming the battlefield - Time
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
We meet John Nicholson, Trump's top general in Afghanistan, to find out if the conflict can ever be brought to an end.
Will Anwar Ibrahim finally rise to lead his country? 101 East talks to Malaysia's leader-in-waiting.
The Big Picture examines the present-day crisis in Venezuela by exploring the divisions rooted in its past.
A series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
