A group of robotics experts, including engineers, artificial intelligence experts, roboticists, and professionals are demanding an international ban on ‘killer robots’ that are capable of launching attacks without human control.
According to the International Committee for Robot Arms Control, which comprises scientists and engineers from around the world, has cautioned against allowing weapon systems to decide about using violent force autonomously.
Over 270 engineers, computer experts and robotics scientists from 37 countries have signed a statement demanding the ban of the development of such robots.
Experts said in a joint statement that given the limitations and unknown future risks of autonomous robot weapons technology, they call for a prohibition on their development and deployment.
"Decisions about the application of violent force must not be delegated to machines," they said.
The experts also say that deploying autonomous drones and other robots, which are controlled by complex algorithms, carrying weapons could initiate or increase conflicts, or cause unforgivable harm to normal public.
The warning comes in the midst of raising debate over the deployment of drone air strikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while the UK is also reportedly prepared to use robots capable of automatically selecting and killing a target.
International Committee for Robot Arms Control (ICRAC) chairman Noel Sharkey said governments need to listen to the experts’ warnings and work with us to tackle this challenge together before it is too late.
"It is urgent that international talks get started now to prevent the further development of autonomous robot weapons before it is too late," Sharkey said.
The UK Ministry of Defence is also developing a robotic combat aircraft called Taranis in collaboration with BAE Systems, which could help defend soldiers on the battlefield.
