The Future of Autonomous Weapons

The Future of Autonomous Weapons

Photo illus. by Wikimedia
On patrol in North East Bamyian with Kiwi Team One, performing both mounted and dismounted patrols The NZ PRT Bamyan is tasked with maintaining security in Bamyan Province. It does this by conducting frequent presence patrols throughout the province. The PRT also supports the provincial and local government by providing advice and assistance to the Provincial Governor, the Afghan National Police and district sub-governors. Thirdly the NZ PRT identifies, prepares and provides project management for NZAID projects within the region. These are contracted to Afghan companies who hire local workers to assist with the completion of these projects. Thus each project provides new amenities, and also provides employment in the region.

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For many years, the U.S. Army has been monitoring issues raised by autonomous weapons to assure that military doctrine remains enforced. Thus, weapons developers continue to advance autonomous systems in line with the manned-unmanned teaming and human-machine interface frameworks, as it is the Pentagon’s utmost importance to guarantee that any and all decisions relating to the use of lethal force are left to humans. 

The manned-unmanned teaming and human-machine interface combines human decision-making with machine-enabled autonomy, presenting a completely new swift operational dynamic. The objective is to utilize machines for processing, analysis, and procedural tasks and leave the decision making to a human.