logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2021
22m 59s

Are ‘killer robots’ the future of warfar...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Could humans ever trust machines with the power to make life or death decisions on the battlefield? And have we already begun to?

Advances in artificial intelligence are slowly creeping into almost every aspect of the world, including warfare. Suzanne Kianpour explores the technology, fears and even potential advantages of developing autonomous weapons.

Producers: Nathan Gower and Viv Jones

(Mock-up of the IAI Harop Drone, a loitering munition. Credit: Aviation-images.com/Getty Images)

Up next
Jul 8
Can Brazil’s supercows feed the world?
Brazil’s Zebu cattle, or “supercows” are bred for size, strength, and meat quality. Every year the animals are showcased at ExpoZebu, Brazil’s premier cattle fair. These animals are preened, pampered, and prized, before being sold for millions for their genetic material. Zebu cat ... Show More
23 m
Jul 1
Does Trump care about Taiwan?
Ahead of last year’s US Presidential elections, Donald Trump was asked if he would defend China against Taiwan, he responded that Taiwan should pay the US for protection from China. Taiwan is a self-governing island, claimed by Beijing and whilst Taiwan is not formally recognised ... Show More
22m 58s
Jun 25
How crucial is the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supplies?
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important energy corridors in the world. It is the only sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, it serves as the primary maritime route for oil exports from the Gulf. Any disruption to traffic through the strait would have i ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
War, AI and the new global arms race | Alexandr Wang
Lethal drones with facial recognition, armed robots, autonomous fighter jets: we're at the dawn of a new age of AI-powered warfare, says technologist Alexandr Wang. He explores why data will be the secret weapon in this uncharted landscape and emphasizes the need to consider nati ... Show More
12m 28s
Jun 2023
Could artificial intelligence lead to human extinction?
Artificial intelligence is a powerful technology that can transform human lives but industry leaders warn that the tool they built could one day pose an existential threat to humanity. So, how can governments regulate AI without stifling innovation?  Join host Mohammed Jamjoom. G ... Show More
24m 33s
Jul 2023
War, AI and the new global arms race | Alexandr Wang
Lethal drones with facial recognition, armed robots, autonomous fighter jets: we're at the dawn of a new age of AI-powered warfare, says technologist Alexandr Wang. He explores why data will be the secret weapon in this uncharted landscape and emphasizes the need to consider nati ... Show More
10m 15s
Oct 2020
Killer Robots and the Future of War
Fully autonomous lethal weapons—robots that can select and engage targets without human intervention—are fast becoming possible. They might minimize casualties and protect civilians in times of war. But is it morally wrong to put a computer in charge of life or death decisions? C ... Show More
1h 3m
Mar 2023
How will AI change the world? | George Zaidan and Stuart Russell
In the coming years, artificial intelligence is probably going to change your life -- and likely the entire world. But people have a hard time agreeing on exactly how AI will affect our society. Can we build AI systems that help us fix the world? Or are we doomed to a robotic tak ... Show More
7m 45s
May 2024
War is a Laboratory for AI with Paul Scharre
Right now, militaries around the globe are investing heavily in the use of AI weapons and drones. From Ukraine to Gaza, weapons systems with increasing levels of autonomy are being used to kill people and destroy infrastructure and the development of fully autonomous weapons show ... Show More
59m 16s
Nov 2016
10 - Robots, Artificial Intelligence, & Extinction?
Will we see robots that look, feel, and communicate in such lifelike ways that we won’t be able to tell them apart from other humans in our lifetime? When did the artificial intelligence movement begin? Is our progress with artificial intelligence leading to an inevitable, Skynet ... Show More
37m 22s
Aug 2021
Can robots care? A conversation with the World Economic Forum's head of AI
Do robots care? What should companies keep in mind before using facial recognition or machine learning? Can new laws being mulled in the EU protect citizens from fast-changing technology? Kay Firth-Butterfield, the head of AI and machine learning at the World Economic Forum, join ... Show More
24m 7s
Oct 2022
The Killer Robot Future Is Already Here
The killer robots are here and they’re not going away.  We’ve all seen footage of the cute robot dogs stumbling around with weapons strapped to their back, and loitering munitions (or so-called “suicide drones”) have become a fixture on the battlefield in Ukraine. There’s a gener ... Show More
42m 2s
May 2023
AI could usher ‘human extinction’
A group of leading artificial intelligence experts have issued a warning that the technology could be capable of making humanity extinct. In a short statement posted online top tech experts warned that the threat from AI is as great as pandemics and nuclear war. Also in the progr ... Show More
49m 36s