The Approaching Era of 'Killer Robots'... Ethical Controversies Persist [Reading Science]

Active Development of Defense Robots, Efforts to Establish AI Ethics Standards

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "If the outcome of wars until now was determined by tanks, warships, and fighter jets, the future belongs to AI robots."

As autonomous driving, AI, and robotics technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution spread, they are emerging as key factors influencing the outcome of wars in the defense sector. According to the recently published 'Science & Technology & ICT Policy and Technology Trends' by the Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea has seen active research on combat robots by defense companies, while moral and ethical controversies surrounding 'killer robots' persist, prompting the government to establish guidelines.

◇ Four Major Defense ICT Fields

Recently, four major ICT fields?autonomous driving, AI, wearable robots, and robots?are being intensively developed in the defense sector. First is autonomous driving technology for combat vehicles. It protects soldiers in dangerous situations, enables operations, and allows vehicles to be operated 24/7 during wartime. It secures transportation capabilities for combat personnel and ammunition without drivers. An additional effect is converting drivers into combat soldiers. Innovations through AI are also progressing extensively. Operational command refers to information provided by AI to direct missions, and AI is utilized for ballistic missile defense.

On the 12th, soldiers are wearing advanced military products at the military wearable platform exhibition held in the lobby of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7

Wearable robots, once only seen in movies, are becoming a reality. They assist soldiers by supporting muscle strength when carrying heavy loads or trekking long distances in mountainous terrain, reducing fatigue and enhancing combat effectiveness. Robot development is also active. They perform various missions on behalf of humans, such as transporting equipment in jungles, mountains, and steep hills, and removing mines and explosives. Fortune Business Insights projected in March last year that the global defense IT market would grow at an average annual rate of 4.38%, from $82.12 billion in 2020 to $110.89 billion by 2027.

◇ Active Development of Military Robots

Recently, domestic defense companies are betting on military robot development. Hyundai Rotem signed an agreement on the 10th of last month with the Defense Industry Technology Support Center to develop the country's first multi-legged walking robot for counter-terrorism operations within two years. This quadrupedal walking robot can maneuver over obstacles and rugged, winding terrain and is remotely controllable. It is being developed to allow attachment of various mission devices such as robotic arms, remote weapon control systems, flashbang and tear gas dispensers, and body temperature measurement devices. It can be deployed instead of humans in dangerous operations to protect lives. It is planned to be pre-deployed during terrorist attacks or large-scale disasters to identify enemies and enable initial response. Hyundai Rotem's 2-ton class remote and unmanned vehicle, already delivered in January, is also attracting attention. Equipped with cameras capable of detecting up to 4 km day and night, users can monitor real-time surveillance footage remotely. It can conduct reconnaissance along coasts or in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Hanwha Defense is also developing various military robots such as unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, explosive detection robots, and reconnaissance robots. In April last year, Hanwha Defense completed the exploration development of a state-of-the-art unmanned reconnaissance vehicle capable of performing reconnaissance, scouting, and guard missions instead of soldiers, and has been pushing forward with full-scale vehicle development this year. It can remotely perform reconnaissance and scouting missions simultaneously and supports limited autonomous operation. It can transport heavy combat supplies and is equipped with a machine gun to engage in combat. Hanwha Defense also plans to develop and mass-produce an explosive detection and disposal robot, a small robot equipped with improvised explosive device detection and removal and mine detection functions, by June 2023. Using a robotic arm that operates in all 360 degrees, it can remove bombs installed on building ceilings, and with an X-ray scanner attached, it can inspect inside vehicles or bags. When mines are detected, it displays them in 3D images and can operate in all weather conditions day and night. Additionally, it has completed development of a small surveillance robot for deployment in forward observation post (GP) areas. It can be used for scientific surveillance and guard duties that compensate for human weaknesses during ambush operations.

LIG Nex1 is developing the wearable robotic exoskeleton 'LEXO.' There are two types: the high-load support wearable robot LEXO-W and the ultra-lightweight support wearable robot LEXO-V. They can be used without batteries or actuators, making them applicable not only for military operations but also for preventing musculoskeletal disorders in civilian and public sectors involving heavy load transport.

As the applications of robots diversify, ranging not only from sex robots but also household robots and broadly to killer robots, the establishment of more sophisticated robot ethics is required. Photo by the movie 'Terminator Genisys' still cut

◇ Persistent Moral Controversy over 'Killer Robots'

Resistance and controversy remain over 'killer robots' that mechanically execute commands devoid of any emotion or judgment. Robots have played prominent roles in recent wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Syria, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. In particular, during the Afghanistan war, the U.S. military benefited greatly from deploying over 2,000 bomb detection and disposal robots. However, killer robots pose enormous risks if used for human killing. It is a major concern if terrorists acquire them or if they are hacked.

South Korea commissioned a research project in January to establish ethical verification standards for military AI use and is working on countermeasures. The research covers international public opinion trends and application cases, debates on ethical issues and violations of international law, ethical measures and autonomous weapon system operation cases in major advanced countries, and stepwise ethical evaluation and judgment factors to ensure safety.