Killer Military Robot Arms Race Underway?

coondoggie writes to tell us NetworkWorld is reporting that one researcher seems to think that a military robot arms race may be imminent between both governments and terrorists. "We are beginning to see the first steps towards an international robot arms race and it may not be long before robots become a standard terrorist weapon to replace the suicide bomber, according to professor Noel Sharkey, from the Royal United Services Institute Department of Computer Science. [...] Currently there is always a human in the loop to decide on the use of lethal force. However, this is set to change with the US giving priority to autonomous weapons - robots that will decide on where, when and who to kill, according to the professor."

Comments

Re:I usually frown upon this...

[urcreepyneighbor]

Please don't kill me. I like machines. If you ever come across one of those killing machines, follow these steps:

1 - Get naked.
2 - Coat your entire body in WD-40.
3 - Get on all fours.
4 - Scream, at the top of your lungs, "I love robots!"
5 - Close your eyes and brace yourself for a wild ride.

Re:Meanwhile, in Baghdad

[MrSteveSD]

Well the "Mentally Handicapped Suicide Bombers" story was perpetuated by the US Military. It has since turned out to be false.

Re:Probably not

[Chris Burke]

What was that you said about multi-thousand dollar sex dolls?

Re:Obligatory

[Rick Genter]

In fact, I do remember a SciFi novel in which these robots got out of hand and eventually restricted our actions to the extreme, since it may cause us harm. Even eating a cheeseburger.

"With Folded Hands" by Jack Williamson, 1947. An all-time classic, and one that still gives me the absolute creeps today.