The Future of Military Robotics: Challenges and Opportunities

Working in the field of military robotics provides me with a unique perspective. Over two decades, I have witnessed the evolution of robotic vehicles within the U.S. government (USG). My first involvement was in 2002, where I worked on a pair of Stryker combat vehicles in a leader-follower configuration. The unmanned vehicle was equipped with a Javelin missile, intended to autonomously seek out and destroy a target. However, the technology was still decades away from readiness, and the results were far from ideal.

This brings us to the present day, where the 2022 Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Trade Show was filled with robotic vehicles with weaponized capabilities, showcasing the advancements by numerous defense contractors. Despite these demonstrations, the USG has yet to approve any autonomous weapon systems. What is holding them back? The answer likely lies in concerns about the potential for large-scale robotic havoc—a scenario reminiscent of the fictional AI from films such as War Games (WOPR) and The Terminator (Skynet). The USG also fears smaller-scale damage, akin to the chaos depicted in Maximum Overdrive, where robotic dogs equipped with machine guns move down human survivors.

Currently, the only robotic vehicle under production contract with the USG is the S-MET. This platform, while advanced, is still operated remotely and is not autonomous. It also lacks weapon systems, despite the inclusion of these in promotional images. These photos can be misleading and may give the impression that autonomous weapons are closer to reality than they actually are.

Engineering Challenges and Exciting Possibilities

Ongoing research highlights both engineering challenges and exciting possibilities in the field of military robotics. As an adrenaline junkie, I am relieved that some of the dangerous excitement of combat may be taken out of the equation with the use of robots. However, the ability to come home and recount these experiences is a much better option. After years of heavy lifting and running, I now suffer from the effects of old age. Being taught holistic health practices by the Army is a bright spot in an otherwise challenging context.

The future of military robotics looks promising for predictable tasks such as covertly laying seafloor mines, conducting patrols, and delivering supplies. Such missions can be performed more efficiently and with fewer risks to human personnel. However, dynamic tasks such as combat may still be further down the road, particularly if the collateral damage is a significant concern.

Conclusion: The future of military robotics is both challenging and exciting. It holds the potential to revolutionize combat operations, but also raises ethical and practical concerns that must be addressed.