A Robot Fly on the Wall

From Rosie the Robot on the Jetsons to Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator, humans have been fascinated with autonomous robots for decades. The more lifelike the more intriguing, and science fiction is all about futuristic robotics. Due to developing technologies the idea of these human like robots are becoming much more science and less fiction. Robots can be specifically designed to do a number of particular tasks. Of late many developers are spending more money on designing robots to perform military tasks. This has caused concern for a number of skeptics who are fearful of the capabilities of “killer robots.” Several skeptics have reached out to the United Nations requesting a ban on the development of these killer robots. Perhaps it is only a matter of time before robots work as autonomous soldiers. But in the meantime it is important to highlight other reasons for robotic developments in the military arena.

One of the more fascinating robots on the market is the Robobee. No larger than a piece of pocket change the Robobee is designed after the biological makeup of bees. Researchers at the Wyss Institute are developing these miniature robots to perform a number of tasks related to disaster relief, agriculture, reconnaissance, among others. Originally designed to help with bee species becoming extinct, these micro-machines are being considered for much larger feats.

The capabilities of the tiny machines are possibly endless. Already designed to be able to fly, hover, perch, and swim underwater these insect-like robots can go virtually anywhere.

Exclusive rights to the Robobee remain with Harvard’s Wyss Institute. But it is likely to see these miniature robots being sold to military organizations and corporations around the globe. Equipping the Robobees with cameras and/or listening devices will allow organizations to send in spies to collect espionage unnoticed. If perfected this could give intelligence collecting organizations an upper hand. Drones are already used as robot intel collectors, but they are large and visible from a distance. If used effectively the Robobee is essentially invisible to the naked eye. A timeline of Robobee usage for espionage and reconnaissance missions remains unclear but it is possible in the near future to have robot flies on the wall.

For more on the Robobee visit: https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/autonomous-flying-microrobots-robobees/

Cuttin' Grass and Kickin' Ass: Autonomous Robots in the Future

Technological innovations throughout history have changed the face of warfare.  Nations who were able to adopt the newest technologies and incorporate them in their tactical and strategic battle plans had a marked advantage over other nations that lagged behind.  One of the newest technologies that may revolutionize warfare is the coupling of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to create autonomous and semi-autonomous robots.  The evolution and development of autonomous weapon systems has been met with concern by some who question the morality of employing such weapons.  However, autonomous robots and weapons systems will play and important role in the future of warfare and the world will not be able to completely stop their employment.

The morality of utilizing autonomous weapon systems in warfare has undoubtedly raised concerns throughout the world.  Recently, over 100 leaders in the technology field sent an open letter to the United Nations requesting a ban on automated weapons.  These specialists believe that autonomous weapons systems are morally reprehensible and deserve to be banned under the UN Convention on 21 nations (I don't count Palestine) are calling for a ban on autonomous weapon systems.   Of the nations calling for a ban, only a few, if any, would be likely to obtain the technology and employ it as a means to lessen the combat power gap between its rivals.  So, who is attempting to open Pandora's box?
Certain Conventional Weapons.  While their concern is understandable, only

The US and China are leading the way when it comes to autonomous weapon systems with ol' Vlady Putin picking up slack in the back.  In 2016, the Chinese held a month-long competition titles "Overcoming Obstacles 2016" in which teams competed in multiple categories by demonstrating the capabilities of their autonomous robots.  In addition, China has announced plans to develop an autonomous multi-role surface vessel named the D3000.

Indeed, the United States is the current leader of the pack when it comes to autonomous weapon systems.  The DARPA developed anti-submarine warfare ship "Sea Hunter" is the first autonomous ship to be launched for testing by the US.  The Sea Hunter has recently completed its sea trial and has C-RAM and the M15 Phalanx CIWS.  Although the US may be in the lead, Russia has expressed interest in automated weapon systems and has been testing their tech as well.
been turned over to the Office of Naval Research for further development.  The US has also met with success in developing defensive automated technologies such as the

Russia recently held a series of tests at a proving ground outside of Moscow in which they tested the Nerekhta.  This unmanned ground vehicle is still being developed but Russia has indicated its desire to use these as an autonomous ground cruise missile (of sorts).  Colonel Pomazuev of the Russian military stated at a recent weapons testing that Russia already has a semi-autonomous tank with a remotely operated turret in the works.

What is clear from all this is that Russia and China have demonstrated their position on how they plan to utilize autonomous robots in warfare.  This is not surprising as China and Russia are desperately trying to close the power gap with the US.  Technologies such as autonomous weapon systems will give those who wield them an advantage.  Autonomous robots will be developed and they will play a definitive role in warfare.  More than likely, the role will encompass both lethal and non-lethal tasks as countries struggle to close the power gap.


Photo Credit: Runaway & Big Think