Israel Aerospace Industries has recently unveiled the REX MKII, a remote-controlled armed robot designed to patrol battlefields, track intruders, and engage in combat. While proponents argue robots like the REX MKII can protect human soldiers, critics worry this technology could lead to ethical quandaries over life-or-death decision-making.
About the REX MKII
The REX MKII is engineered to collect intelligence for ground troops, transport injured soldiers and supplies, and target nearby threats. Israel’s military already uses a similar, smaller vehicle called the Jaguar for border patrol with the Gaza Strip, showcasing the increasing use of unmanned ground vehicles worldwide. Armies from countries including the United States, Britain, and Russia also utilise these robots for various functions such as logistical support, mine removal and weapon deployment.
Smart Walls: An Emerging Alternative
As an alternative to physical patrolling, a Smart Wall has been proposed for the USA-Mexico border. This advanced surveillance technology is poised to replace conventional, armed patrols.
Favorable Arguments for Using Robots in Wars
There are several points made in favor of employing robots in warfare. These include their lack of physiological limitations, which allows them to operate without sleep or nourishment. They can sense things beyond human capacity, move differently from humans, and use a wide array of sensors that surpass human sensory abilities on the battlefield.
As far as operational benefits are concerned, robots offer a faster, cheaper, and more efficient method for mission accomplishment. They exhibit longer range capabilities, persistence, endurance, precision, swift target engagement, and immunity to chemical and biological weapons.
Robots don’t need to ensure self-preservation in case they’re uncertain about a target. They may be used sacrificially in certain situations, without commanding officers fearing for their survival. Lastly, the use of robots helps to minimize the loss of human lives, adhering to the core ethics of warfare.
Critical Points Against Using Robots in Wars
Conversely, critics argue that using robot soldiers cheapens the cost of war, potentially making future conflicts more likely. This could lower the entry threshold into warfare as we risk fewer human lives and more machines, possibly violating just warfare conditions.
The inability of machines to differentiate between civilians and combatants, and to assess the potential harm to civilians near attacks, raises serious concerns. Moreover, robots may ignore war conventions, devaluing human life and potentially violating human rights laws.
Concerns about technology proliferation to other nations and terrorists, coupled with risks of cyber-attacks or hacking, also contribute to the counter-arguments against employing robots in warfare.
Security Management in India: Technological Approaches
India’s government has initiated the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) project, focusing on integrating technology with current systems for better detection and interception capabilities. Likewise, the National Counter Rogue Drones Guidelines 2019 aims to address possible security threats from rogue drones targeting critical installations like nuclear power plants and military bases.
Way Forward
Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning-driven technological revolutions are crucial to enhancing productivity, efficiency, and optimization across all sectors. However, before deploying robotics into warfare, extensive research is necessary to maximize opportunities while minimizing humanitarian losses.
