Hopping robots display pack instinct
(Credit:
ODF)
Release the fleas! SWAT and other urban assault teams could soon be deploying packs of all-seeing, hopping robots armed with mini missiles to ferret out the bad guys.
The EyeDrive unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) uses remote-controlled 360-degree panoramic video technology and a patented Point & Go sensor guidance mode to run down and "instinctively eliminate" human targets at ranges of up to 90 feet, according to ODF Optronics.
Built-in navigation allows multiple units to work in robotic unison, thus doubling, and even tripling, indoor reconnaissance capacity, according to the Israel-based company. In fact, the standard kit comes with two complete units. It could replace K-9s in attack mode and other dangerous duties (PDF).
This 5-pound all-terrain mini mite can be tossed--or dropped--from up to about 10 feet and is dual-side operable, which means it's self-righting. The "hopper" feature is optional. It allows the EyeDrive to hop over 3-foot obstacles, enhancing its observational capabilities, according to the developer.
ODF plans to produce an armed version in cooperation with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, another Israeli outfit, that could carry up to 16 miniature rockets. What constitutes miniature? Four .3-inch diameter rockets in a quad launcher only weigh a little over half a pound, and that includes 40-gram warheads.
Mark Rutherford is a West Coast-based freelance writer. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Email him at markr@milapp.com. Disclosure. 
"360 degree panoramic video technology and a patented Point & Go sensor guidance mode to run down and 'instinctively eliminate' human targets at ranges of up to 30 yards"
Sounds like the potential for accidental deaths is extremely high with these kill-bots. *** are they thinking?
GPS-based "patrol zones" and "kill zones" would limit the critter's activities. Enhancements might include human verification of each target.
The "negotiator" model might have live video/mic/speakers instead in order to safely establish communications between hostile (or friendly) groups.
A "communications relay" model could provide communications relays when working around communications shadows.
Other features: swarming capability, tear gas dispenser, electronic signal jamming, and vehicle disabling, NBC detection.
Other uses: search and rescue, building security, minefield clearing, patrol, alarm, tea trolley.
Oh, and the "French" model could come equipped with little robot arms it could raise and a "fast reverse" feature.
Wow!
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
It sees a certain range, it fires, end of story.
This is purely reactionary.
While it is argued that all life is reactionary, this doesn't factor in any other decisions, it is a singular reactionary "organism".
At least, if it was not controlled by a human.
In other words, a 40-gram warhead can kill a human at up to 30 meters (98.4 feet) distance.
"360 degree panoramic video technology and a patented Point & Go sensor guidance mode to run down and 'instinctively eliminate' human targets at ranges of up to 30 yards"
is in the article for a reason.
Once all the visuals and detection sensors + scanning and decision making ability is taken care of (which is being worked on and researched quite a lot lately) then the bots can definitely kill based on the configuration info. They need NOT be conscious and that's the whole idea.
People are so scared of robots and stuff. They are constantly portrayed in the movies as going evil, etc. The thing is, humans are evil, and tools in the hands of humans kill millions. It's like the people who say they don't trust computers to drive cars cause computers crash....over a milion people die every year from people crashing. I'd trust a computer any day.
Now we also have bot assassins ...
Who in the right mind would ever want automatic killing machines. Even if they were somehow able to distinguish between two or more types of humans (still insane considering complications of warfare) it is just horrifying.
If we can do something about war in general, then the machines and guns used to conduct it will become unnecessary.
These robots are simply remote controlled tools for soldiers. They are not autonomous thinkers. They will allow soldiers to remain in safe dug-outs while scouting hostile terrain and possibly engaging hostile combatants.
It makes perfect sense for Israel's kind of enemies, who prefer to hide in houses and alleyways and would probably result in fewer non-combatant casualties, as compared to airstrikes and long distance shelling of targets.
Realize that the horrifying thing is these Muslim militants (yes, Muslim, there's scarcely any other kind right now) who don't hesitate to kill civilians when it suits their purposes. These 'bots are an example of a much more compassionate approach to surgically removing the bad guys while not blowing up the kindergartens they hide in.
- by cwclifford February 11, 2009 12:19 PM PST
- Haha, the French retreat dig was funny - just never gets old! There must be a very poor retention rate in our schools here when it comes to the fact that if it weren't for the French we'd be England II.
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(23 Comments)What your are missing from this battle of money.
Just an aside about the Iraq war for all you mongerers:
France, Russia, and China have 40-60 billion dollars of contracts over the next ten years.
Germany and France has sold most of the oil equipment to the Iraq in the last ten years.
Do you now see clearly?