Israel this week revealed a highly advanced robot patrol system that looks like it could end up being a game changer in the country's legendary defense system:
An Israeli defense contractor on Monday unveiled a remote-controlled armed robot it says can patrol battle zones, track infiltrators and open fire. The unmanned vehicle is the latest addition to the world of drone technology, which is rapidly reshaping the modern battlefield.
Proponents say such semi-autonomous machines allow armies to protect their soldiers, while critics fear this marks another dangerous step toward robots making life-or-death decisions...
It is operated by an electronic tablet and can be equipped with two machine guns, cameras and sensors, said Rani Avni, deputy head of the company's autonomous systems division. The robot can gather intelligence for ground troops, carry injured soldiers and supplies in and out of battle, and strike nearby targets.
This is usually around the time that people start warning about Skynet, and Terminators, and all the dangerous robot stuff. And that's a fair criticism! This thing seems totally ripe for gaining sentience and turning on its creators.
However, if it were going to happen in any country... I feel like Israel is probably the best one, right? They could pretty easily put down a robot uprising with shockingly focused efficiency. So rest easy.
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