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Lethal Autonomous Robotics: Coming to a Theatre Near You?

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Lethal Autonomous Robotics: Coming to a Theatre Near You? Lethal autonomous robotics: Coming to a theatre near you? The use of drones (unmanned armed vehicles) by the United States government against targets in northwest Pakistan along the Afghanistan border since 2004 has brought the technical, ethical and legal aspects of lethal autonomous robotics under the spotlight. Prof Christof Heyns explains the difference between human judgement This was also the topic and technology-driven intelligence. under discussion at the The guest speaker, Prof Christof addition, one can achieve more with annual Hendrik van der Bijl Heyns, is pre-eminently qualifi ed fewer people, and one is able to to consider this subject, as United eliminate the weakest link (the human Memorial lecture, presented Nations Special Rapporteur on factor) and achieve results faster. Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary on 14 August 2013 by the Executions, professor of Human The general concern with the use Rights Law at the University of of LARs, however, is that we may University of Pretoria and the Pretoria, and Co-director of the be overestimating the abilities of Institute for International and computers. Other specifi c concerns South African Academy of Comparative Law in Africa (ICLA). that need to be considered include Engineering (SAAE). the fact that using LARs might Prof Heyns explained the distinction make it easier to go to war. With between the two different kinds of LARs, there is also an uncertain unmanned systems. In the case of legal responsibility in terms of who drones, although the armed vehicle is actually responsible for wartime itself is unmanned, it has a human deaths. In this respect, LARs may operator via remote control. However, not comply with the prescripts of in the case of lethal autonomous International Humanitarian Law. robots (LARs), human beings are out While LARs may be used outside of the loop; an onboard computer armed confl ict situations, there takes the decision to deploy the force. are implications for states without LARs. The actual legal-ethical LARs are weapon delivery systems that, Ultimately, the dilemma is an once activated, ethical one that revolves around can select and engage decisions regarding the right human targets to life. without further intervention by a human operator. LARs were complexity comes in when one takes developed with a number of human decision-making out of the advantages in mind, including the equation in armed confl ict, and many protection of one’s own people. In questions related to humanitarian NEWS 140 INNOVATE 8 2013 and other issues arise, such as the psychological effects of distance killing, and the effect of a war without valour, in which there is no direct engagement. Prof Heyns concluded his presentation by weighing up the pros and cons of human judgement vs. computers. While human judgement has the advantage of experience, wisdom and qualitative evaluation, computers have the advantage of statistics, algorithms and quantitative evaluation. While human judgement has the benefi t of common sense, mercy and compassion, human beings also make mistakes, can be prejudiced, and may commit crimes. Computers, on the other hand are precise and fast, and have no fear of revenge. However, computers do not have the benefi t of common sense and compassion. T he Hendrik van der Bijl Memorial Lecture is an annual event that is presented jointly by the University’s Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology and the SAAE. It is delivered by a prominent personality under the general theme of the role of engineering in society. This lecture is of particular signifi cance to both the University of Pretoria and the SAAE, as Dr Van der Bijl was the Chancellor Prof Bob Pullen, President of the South African Academy of Engineering of UP from 1934 to 1948 and he (SAAE), introduces Prof Christof Heyns as the guest speaker at the made a huge contribution to the annual Hendrik van der Bijl Memorial Lecture. industrial and scientifi c development of South Africa. The fi rst Hendrik van der Bijl Memorial Lecture was Co. in New York as part of a selected stage of rapid industrial development delivered in 1963 by Dr MS Louw group of research scientists that in South Africa. In later years, (who represented Sanlam), and ever spearheaded American technological Dr Van der Bijl turned his attention since, these lectures have been development when General Jan to the private sector of the economy. delivered by eminent personalities Smuts requested him to return to One outcome of this was the who have made their mark in South South Africa. establishment in 1947 of Safmarine, Africa. of which he was the fi rst Chairperson. In 1920, he joined the South African More on Hendrik van der Bijl government as Technical Advisor, The foundations for the industrial and laid the foundations for the development of South Africa were Hendrik van der Bijl was born in development of South African industry. laid by Hendrik van der Bijl, the Pretoria in 1887 and attended He established and became the scientist, industrial leader, engineer school in the Cape Province during Chairperson of Eskom, Iscor and the and entrepreneur. His achievements the Anglo Boer War. After studying Industrial Development Corporation. have been recognised internationally at the Victoria College (which and locally. He was elected a Fellow would become the University of The outstanding organising ability of the Royal Society and he received Stellenbosch), he continued his and leadership qualities he displayed honorary degrees from both the studies overseas, specialising in during the Second World War University of Stellenbosch and the electronics. He was working for the enabled him to use this opportunity University of the Witwatersrand. American Telegraph and Telephone to stimulate and facilitate the second Vanderbijlpark was named after him. NEWS 141 INNOVATE 8 2013.
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