Robots on the Battlefield
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Abstract
Robotic systems are revolutionising modern warfare, with applications ranging from reconnaissance and bomb disposal to autonomous combat and logistics. While these technologies reduce human casualties and enhance operational efficiency, they raise critical ethical and legal questions about accountability, autonomy, and the future of human-soldier roles. Robots are ideal for use in military operations because they can perform such tasks that are too dangerous for humans. Robots can be used to traverse dangerous terrain, locate and eliminate threats, and support and supply troops on the ground. They can also be used to protect troops from enemy fire and can serve as decoys to draw fire away from troops. In addition, robots can be used to provide intelligence and real-time information on the battlefield that can be used to make strategic decisions. This paper examines the evolution of military robotics, analyses current battlefield applications, and evaluates the moral challenges posed by autonomous systems, advocating for urgent regulatory frameworks.
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