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International News Networks / Re: Northfort News
« Last post by DaveIronside on May 02, 2024, 08:15:12 PM »"HOT DOG" FROM SMARTWAR
SmartWar have today released footage of one of their latest prototypes. The company that is based in Chamwick have been working on various robotic and autonomous systems for several years and today released a video showing a kind of four legged robotic device carrying a flame thrower. The device was explained by the companies CEO, Martin Dawson, who said. "We are working on a variety of products utilising the "dog" element of the project, everything ranging from medical evacuation to helping provide logistics support. One of the key military needs is the ability to move heavy weapons with small squads and clearly this is difficult for the men on the ground. We believe this, as of yet unnamed project, can solve that as it will be able to carry a variety of logistical loads and a remotely operated, or autonomous weapons system. For our demo we asked ourselves what is perhaps the most over the top system we could add and someone said flamethrower. As a result that's what we ended up with, I think it looks rather impressive."
It was however a civilian use that has potentially seen the most interest in the project. Rockhampton's Chief Fire Officer explained, "Every summer we end up having to establish spotters, patrols and various other methods to look for wildfires in the forests. We've talked for a while about utilising something like UAV's but often these don't see beneath the canopy. Its our belief we could potentially release several of these into the forest and they can wander around high risk and remote areas looking for danger. We could then utilise their flamethrowers to perhaps carry out controlled burns allowing us to ensure the safety of the woodland, the general public and private property. Its something I'll speak to Mr.Dawson about and we'll see what comes up."
The concept has however seen Minister of Defence, Sir Harry Samuelson, talk about his thoughts on "autonomous systems". "I will always back things that help our fighting men and women stay ahead of the opposition and I see a definite place for 99% of this technology. We sadly see that AI is, in many ways, replacing humans in many processes such as in the industrial markets. My fear is attempts will be made to remove humans from warfare and that's very dangerous. We've seen AI getting things wrong all the time, I mean they can't even draw a human hand without six fingers. If we are to take human life for a greater good the decisions to send that person to the great beyond can not be shirked, a human must take that responsibility." It is believed that Sir Harry is about to discuss his concerns with the monarch in the coming days.