A.I. Begins Ushering in an Age of Killer Robots

In Ukraine, the war with Russia has spurred the development of autonomous drones and other weaponry by Ukrainian companies like Vyriy, turning the country into a hub for advanced military technology. These innovations, driven by artificial intelligence and deep learning, enable drones to act autonomously in combat scenarios, potentially changing the nature of warfare. The low cost and easy availability of these technologies raise concerns about their potential misuse, including in terrorist attacks. Ukrainian officials see these advancements as crucial for gaining an edge over Russia and are actively funding drone companies to scale up production. While some ethical and legal questions remain about the use of autonomous weapons, Ukraine prioritizes maximizing automation to enhance its fighting capabilities. The development of technologies like autonomous drones and machine guns with AI-powered targeting signifies a significant shift towards a new era of warfare, where human judgment in targeting and firing becomes less central.