As experts urge caution, military pushes aggressive A.I. agenda

As autonomous weapons systems, sometimes called killer robots, move closer towards becoming a logistically feasible option for governments around the world, they are also generating increasing controversy. More than 2,400 researchers from 170 different organizations called this week for a worldwide ban on autonomous weapons. "Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play an increasing role … Continue reading As experts urge caution, military pushes aggressive A.I. agenda

Robot makers haven’t fixed security flaws, researchers say

  Several robot manufacturers were warned earlier this year of vulnerabilities in the security of their products, but most of the problems have yet to be fixed, the researchers who identified them say, according to Reuters. "In this research, we focused on home, business, and industrial robots, in addition to robot control software used by … Continue reading Robot makers haven’t fixed security flaws, researchers say

DoD officials offer conflicting hints on killer robot policy

It's been a busy year in the world of robotics and the politics surrounding it, the latest development coming in the form of potentially conflicting comments from two Pentagon officials hinting at what the future of an international killer robot ban -- or lack thereof -- might look like. Not only has the job-killing potential … Continue reading DoD officials offer conflicting hints on killer robot policy

AI rivals nukes, DoD algorithmic warfare team leader says

As the U.S. military pushes forward with ambitious artificial intelligence initiatives, those responsible can't seem to resist describing them in unsettling terms. Col. Drew Cukor, a project manager for the new "Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team" (AWCFT) established in April, this week enthusiastically compared recent AI developments to the advent of the atomic bomb during a … Continue reading AI rivals nukes, DoD algorithmic warfare team leader says

Military harnessing brainwaves to teach AI to ID targets

Despite recent comments from leading military technologists claiming that the Pentagon isn't or shouldn't be pursuing autonomous killer robot technology, research it has simultaneously been funding seems to suggest otherwise. "Without even realizing it, soldiers could soon be training robot sharpshooters to take their jobs," writes Patrick Tucker, technology editor for Defense One, in a … Continue reading Military harnessing brainwaves to teach AI to ID targets

Obama talks tech, cybersecurity, censorship at White House conference

President Obama spoke at the "White House Frontiers Conference" in Pennsylvania on Thursday, discussing a wide range of technology-related issues with other panelists, from artificial intelligence to healthcare to cybersecurity. If you are reading this post, though, it may be because you maintain a healthy skepticism towards the "tech sector" or the "innovation space" or … Continue reading Obama talks tech, cybersecurity, censorship at White House conference

Dallas killer robot raises fears of slippery slope

Following the death by bomb-armed-robot of the suspect in last week's cop killings in Dallas, which apparently involved an improvised setup that the local police department's robot wasn't built to be used for, a public outcry over police access to high tech weaponry has erupted. "The Dallas Police Department’s unprecedented use of an explosive-laden robot … Continue reading Dallas killer robot raises fears of slippery slope