Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Bad Robot News Gets Worse

Adding to my post yesterday about robotic sex, now comes news that robots might soon make decisions to use warfare without direct human input. CNN and other outlets report testimony from America’s second-highest ranking military officer, Gen. Paul Selva, who advocated Tuesday for "keeping the ethical rules of war in place lest we unleash on humanity a set of robots that we don't know how to control." (Not a joke.)
According to CNN: “Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, asked about his (Gen. Selva’s) views on a Department of Defense directive that requires a human operator to be kept in the decision-making process when it comes to the taking of human life by autonomous weapons systems. Peters said the restriction was due to expire later this year."

For baby boomers, we have seen “The Jetson’s” cartoon parody come to life-- for example, Rosie, a domestic robot who had a platonic but testy relationship with George. 

The Jetsons lived in Orbit City, with robot servants and moving sidewalks. George was employed by Spacely’s Space Sprockets, a manufacturer of high tech equipment, as a “digital index operator.” His boss, Mr. Spacely, often fired George.  All sounds familiar.    
And by the way, George and Mr. Spaceley communicated via Skype.

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