Debate on Killer Robots Rages , as Robotics Companies Partner , with Police and Military.
TechCrunch reports that
the concept of 'killer robots' has leaped
from the pages of science fiction to reality. .
The topic is being debated as
the possibility of robots joining
the ranks of domestic law enforcement.
In 2019, Boston Dynamics raised red flags when it
showcased its Spot robot deployed alongside
Massachusetts State Police in training exercises.
While the robots in the drills were unarmed, the use
of robots in a situation where lives are at risk
was enough to prompt an inquiry by the ACLU.
In 2020, a similar situation arose in New York,
which saw a partnership between
the NYPD and Boston Dynamics.
In 2020, a similar situation arose in New York,
which saw a partnership between
the NYPD and Boston Dynamics.
Boston Dynamics has vehemently opposed
the weaponization of robots, signing an open
letter with with several other leading robotics firms.
Boston Dynamics has vehemently opposed
the weaponization of robots, signing an open
letter with with several other leading robotics firms.
We believe that adding weapons to robots
that are remotely or autonomously operated,
widely available to the public, and capable
of navigating to previously inaccessible
locations where people live and work, raises
new risks of harm and serious ethical issues. , Open letter on the weaponization of robots, via TechCrunch.
Weaponized applications of these
newly-capable robots will also harm
public trust in the technology in ways
that damage the tremendous benefits
they will bring to society, Open letter on the weaponization of robots, via TechCrunch.
According to TechCrunch, the open letter
was largely seen as a response to Ghost Robotics'
partnership with the U.S. military.