Autonomous Systems: Issues for Defence Policymakers

This volume covers the subject of autonomous systems, which stand potentially to transform the way in which warfare is conducted. Advances in sensors, robotics and computing are permitting the development of a whole new class of systems, which offer a wide range of military benefits including the ability to operate without personnel on board the platform, novel human-machine teaming concepts, and swarm operating methods. With any such transformational advances, there are unique operational, legal, ethical and design issues. It is critical that we engage in open and transparent debate about the wide ranging opportunities, implications and challenges that these advances will bring, and ensure that the Alliance is ready to address the forthcoming issue of terminology, standardization interoperability and military operational conduct.