Artificial Intelligence in the US
Military
Images from wiredforwar.pwsinger.com
It sounds like science fiction, but it is fact: On the
battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, robots are killing
America’s enemies and saving American lives. But
today’s Pack Bots, Predators, and Ravens are
relatively primitive machines. The coming generation
of “war-bots” will be immensely more sophisticated,
and their development raises troubling new questions
about how and when we wage war.
Strong vs. Weak AI
• Strong AI: “Artificial intelligence that matches or surpasses human
intelligence.”
– Must be able to:
• Reason
• Plan
• Learn
• Communicate
• Integrate this skills towards common goals
• Weak AI: “Use of software to study and accomplish specific problem
solving or reasoning tasks not encompassing full range of human
cognitive abilities.”
• How it’s being done: the Blue Brain Project. Tries to simulate the
human brain using supercomputers.
Packbot
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The packbot is only one of
many unmanned systems
operating in Iraq and
Afgahnistan today.
In 2003 there were no
packbots in Iraq
By the end of 2008, 12,000
packbots were projected to
be deployed in Iraq
These are just the 1st
generation. Scientists are
trying to equip potbots with
automated machine guns
and robotic stretcher
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Raven UAV
Raven Specs:
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Wing Span 4 ft 3 in
Length 3 ft 7 in
Weight 4.2 lb
Engine Aveox 27/26/7-AV
electric motor
Cruising speed 60 mph
Range 6.2 miles
Endurance approx. 80 min
The Raven is a remote-controlled miniature unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV). The craft is launched by hand and powered by an electric motor.
(wikipedia.com)
Biomimectics
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decompressor
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Juice for your Noggin
• Why do you think unmanned systems have been used in greater
numbers in places like Iraq and Afghanistan? Do you see this
trend continuing?
• Will the robotics trend make wars easier or harder to start?
Why?
• Will the robotics trend help or hurt America's standing in the
world? How so?
• What do you think will be the key legal issues to resolve in the
robotics field?
Questions from:wiredforwar.pwsinger.com