Robot Wars: An Ethical Way-Ahead

摘要

Technology alters the nature of warfare and has consistently challenged the accepted jus in bello principles of warfare. Advancements in robotic technology will soon provide governments with fully autonomous systems that their militaries can employ in combat. This research paper reviews the foundations of today's Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and highlights the development of artificial intelligence and the challenges associated with developing ethical decision making models for robots. This paper also examines the technological and ethical benefits associated with employing fully autonomous systems in combat. After exploring these topics, this paper examines a potential concept of operations to permit the employment of fully autonomous combat systems while adhering to the LOAC and applicable rules of engagement. After careful analysis, this paper maintains that the U.S. Navy's proposal is correct by claiming that fully autonomous robots can be used to target enemy objects, but they cannot ethically be used to target enemy combatants.