
The United States will regulate the marketing and use of autonomous robots focused on defense work. Here are some of the keys to the project that is being developed now.
The military robot has the ability to point and shoot at targets if its algorithm so indicates. Wikipedia
Join the conversation
Robotics is reaching all market segments. Artificial intelligence is making it possible to standardize functions like we have never seen in the past. The United States is one of the countries that is betting the most on this technology. In the military field, there is a program team that stands out, mainly, for offer military solutions and with the capacity to carry and use military weapons. Companies like Boston Dynamics could have proposals of this kind due to their high potential.
Has the time come to regulate this market? The United States could soon introduce regulations aimed at banning the use of armed robots. Taking into account that would be exempt from the United States Department of Defense, would aim to avoid images like that of the dog robot with a machine gun seen a few months ago. The police, therefore, would be prohibited from having this type of equipment available for use in patrolling and crowd control.
The United States is close to regulating and limiting the use of armed robots
A team of legislators is developing a law that prohibits the manufacture, sale and operation of robotic devices or drones mounted with a weapon. This is a regulation that aims to prevent the use of a technology that may involve moral issues of great impact on society. What determines right and wrong when it comes to pulling the trigger? Introducing variables into the algorithm of these devices is something that is already being regulated due to its problems.
Since the seed is in the State of Massachusetts, it is expected that this potential regulation can achieve importance at the state level. In addition to the above, a way would be sought to prohibit the use of robotic devices to threaten or harass and the use of this technology to physically restrain an individual. Furthermore, a whole range of fines have already been budgeted, which would range from 5,000 up to 25,000 dollars in case of non-compliance with the regulations.
Our offices have worked with key stakeholders in developing this legislation, which is why our bill has the support of robotics industry leaders and civil rights organizations. Lindsay Sabadosa, state representative in Massachusetts
As expected, the United States Army will be exempt from complying with these regulations, in accordance with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). There will be no problem, therefore, when it comes to continuing to develop the innovation programs currently present. We will still have to wait a few months to see which are the most notable articles of this new regulation and, of course, when its effective application begins. This is a very interesting measure that may limit, to a certain extent, some research programs from being commercialized in the private sector.
Join the conversation