Human Rights watch issues warning of armies developing 'Terminator'-style killer robots

Human Rights watch has issued a warning that ‘Terminator’-style autonomous robots could be developed in decades - and that several governments are working on the technology.


Human Rights Watch has issued a warning that ‘Terminator’-style killer robots could be developed in decades - and that several governments are working on the technology.

The U.S government in particular has admitted to working towards robotic weapons systems with ‘total autonomy’.

The Human Rights Watch calls on policy-makers to outlaw ‘fully autonomous weapons’ - robots that can decide to kill.

It says such weapons could be feasible “in decades”.

"Fully autonomous weapons have the potential to increase harm to civilians during armed conflict,” says Human Rights Watch

“They would be unable to meet basic principles of international humanitarian law, they would undercut other, non-legal safeguards that protect civilians, and they would present obstacles to accountability for any casualties that occur.

"Although fully autonomous weapons do not exist yet, technology is rapidly moving in that direction. These types of weaponized robots could become feasible within decades, and militaries are becoming increasingly invested in their successful development.

[link to uk.news.yahoo.com]