Powerful Military Robots

Introduces readers to the most powerful robots used by the US military today, how they work, and what makes them unique. Additional features include a table of contents, infographics to help readers learn more about the topic, sidebars, Fast Facts, critical thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.

An entire robot army does not exist, but robots are being used more frequently by militaries around the world to keep soldiers out of harm's way. Readers learn this and other fascinating facts about robots in the military thanks to engaging text that is enhanced by informative fact boxes. Visual examples of the kinds of robots employed by the military are included in the form of captivating, full-color photographs. The eye-catching design and exciting text show readers that learning about STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math, can be fun.

This SpringerBrief reveals the latest techniques in computer vision and machine learning on robots that are designed as accurate and efficient military snipers. Militaries around the world are investigating this technology to simplify the time, cost and safety measures necessary for training human snipers. These robots are developed by combining crucial aspects of computer science research areas including image processing, robotic kinematics and learning algorithms. The authors explain how a new humanoid robot, the iCub, uses high-speed cameras and computer vision algorithms to track the object that has been classified as a target. The robot adjusts its arm and the gun muzzle for maximum accuracy, due to a neural model that includes the parameters of its joint angles, the velocity of the bullet and the approximate distance of the target. A thorough literature review provides helpful context for the experiments. Of practical interest to military forces around the world, this brief is designed for professionals and researchers working in military robotics. It will also be useful for advanced level computer science students focused on computer vision, AI and machine learning issues.

Soldiers regularly put themselves in harmÕs way to promote peace and protect freedom. This means they have great appreciation for their robotic stand-insÑ PackBots. The remote-controlled robots especially save the day when they find hidden bombs! This book puts kids on a reading mission to discover how robots serve the military.

Increasingly, world governments are seeing the benefits of using robots in wars instead of foot soldiers. In addition, robots are used by law enforcement agencies around the world. What do these robots do? How do they work? How can replacing soldiers and police officers with drones and other robots save lives? These questions and more are answered in this exciting volume. Engaging sidebars, full-color photographs, and fascinating fact boxes add to this in-depth look at advancements in defense robotics, and a list of discussion questions challenges readers to look at this issue from a new point of view.

Military robots and other, potentially autonomous robotic systems such as unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) could soon be introduced to the battlefield. Look further into the future and we may see autonomous micro- and nanorobots armed and deployed in swarms of thousands or even millions. This growing automation of warfare may come to represent a major discontinuity in the history of warfare: humans will first be removed from the battlefield and may one day even be largely excluded from the decision cycle in future high-tech and high-speed robotic warfare. Although the current technological issues will no doubt be overcome, the greatest obstacles to automated weapons on the battlefield are likely to be legal and ethical concerns. Armin Krishnan explores the technological, legal and ethical issues connected to combat robotics, examining both the opportunities and limitations of autonomous weapons. He also proposes solutions to the future regulation of military robotics through international law.

In the wake of two extended wars, Western militaries find themselves looking to the future while confronting amorphous nonstate threats and shrinking defense budgets. The 2015 Kingston Conference on International Security (KCIS) examined how robotics and autonomous systems that enhance soldier effectiveness may offer attractive investment opportunities for developing a more efficient force capable of operating effectively in the future environment. This monograph offers 3 chapters derived from the KCIS and explores the drivers influencing strategic choices associated with these technologies and offers preliminary policy recommendations geared to advance a comprehensive technology investment strategy. In addition, the publication offers insight into the ethical challenges and potential positive moral implications of using robots on the modern battlefield.

Robots aren’t just made for sci-fi thrillers—they’re on the real frontlines. Military and police use robots to perform operations that are impossible or too dangerous for humans to do. Readers will enjoy this in-depth look into the world of military and police robots, from their history to the newest technology available. How can robots help police? How will robots be used in the future? This volume addresses these questions and more through easy to understand text and fascinating facts. Color photographs bring readers behind the caution tape to learn all about military and police robots.