South Korean university boycotted over 'killer robots'
From BBC
Leading AI experts have boycotted a South Korean university over a partnership with weapons manufacturer Hanwha Systems.Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43653648More than 50 AI researchers from 30 countries signed a letter expressing concern about its plans to develop artificial intelligence for weapons.
In response, the university said it would not be developing "autonomous lethal weapons".
The boycott comes ahead of a UN meeting to discuss killer robots.
Shin Sung-chul, president of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist), said: "I reaffirm once again that Kaist will not conduct any research activities counter to human dignity including autonomous weapons lacking meaningful human control.
"Kaist is significantly aware of ethical concerns in the application of all technologies including artificial intelligence."
He went on to explain that the university's project was centred on developing algorithms for "efficient logistical systems, unmanned navigation and aviation training systems".
I don't think any boycott will stop the inevitable development of killer robots. Either done in the open or through covert operations I believe it is only a matter of time before we start seeing various types of robots joining the battle field. We've already got drones in the sky and plenty of autonomous driving technology these days. How long until we see an autonomous or remote controlled tank?
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Fully autonomous weapons, also known as "killer robots," would be able to select and engage targets without human intervention.