Autonomous weapons technologies which integrate artificial Intelligence (AI), are currently playing a vital and increasing role in military systems. They are emerging as pivotal technologies of future warfare. Alarmingly, we are on a path headed towards fully autonomous weapons, also called lethal autonomous weapons systems or killer robots. These lethal robots can operate on land, air or at sea with the ability to select and engage targets using only their algorithms independent of any meaningful human control. The development of killer robots would be destabilising to security but also society’s humanity.
Intrigued? check out our homepage and the global website for more information on these deadly weapons.
Universities are involved with research and development with defence on autonomous systems; there is an urgent need for university students and their institutions to distinguish between the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI and ensure they do not contribute to the development of fully autonomous weapons. Below you’ll find info on university involvement, our SURVEY for students and ways you can TAKE ACTION. Please share this webpage and our survey amoung your student friends and networks on social media to help us out! and follow @ban_kr_aus (twitter and insta) + Campaign to Stop Killer Robots – Australia on facebook.
How are universities involved?
Universities have been essential in shaping society through training our future generations. The knowledge and information they produce is crucial in driving innovation. The innovations we use as part of everyday life such as seat belts and touch screens all come from university research. However, there are universities that are driving the developments of autonomous systems through partnership and collaboration with the Australian defence. Without clear policies, your university could be contributing to killer robots.
Here are some universities with defence research in risk areas such as autonomy, robotics, and relevant tech components. Browse and explore to your hearts content with this map we created using Lil Sis. You’ll discover many links between some universities in defence with project areas of autonomy and AI
With innovation comes responsibility – your university must ensure it does not contribute to harmful technological developments.
You have the power for a positive impact.
Not all collaboration between Australian defence and universities is problematic. There have been developments of emerging technologies from these partnerships which are not controversial, such as autonomous take-off and landing.
However, it is crucial for your institutions and yourselves to be aware of how the technology you could develop in your degree could be used in the future.
Universities and Autonomy Development with Defence
https://littlesis.org/oligrapher/5330-universities-and-autonomy-development-with-defence
