Lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) are a type of autonomous military system that can independently search for and engage targets based on programmed constraints and descriptions. LAWs are also known as lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), autonomous weapon systems (AWS), robotic weapons or killer robots. LAWs may operate in the air, on land ...

Jan 2, 2025 · Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) are a special class of weapon systems that use sensor suites and computer algorithms to independently identify a target and employ an onboard weapon system to engage and destroy the target without manual human control of the system.

Since 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has maintained that lethal autonomous weapons systems are politically unacceptable and morally repugnant and has called for their prohibition under international law.

Nov 1, 2023 · The resolution expresses concern about the possible negative consequences and impact of autonomous weapons systems on global security and regional and international stability, including the...

6 days ago · Introduction. On December 2, 2024, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems with overwhelming support: 166 votes in favor, 3 opposed (Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation), and 15 abstentions. The resolution mentions the potential for a two-tiered …

Jan 6, 2025 · However, alongside positive advancements come serious concerns, particularly regarding its use in modern warfare and the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Commonly called “killer robots,” these systems leverage AI to identify, select, and eliminate human targets without requiring direct human intervention, raising ...

Nov 17, 2022 · Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) are a special class of weapon systems that use sensor suites and computer algorithms to independently identify a target and employ an onboard weapon system to engage and destroy the target without manual human control of the system.

Feb 14, 2023 · Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS), or weapons designed to independently select and engage targets without the need for manual human control, could enable military operations in communications-degraded or -denied environments where traditional systems may not be able to operate. LAWS are not yet in widespread development.

Dec 21, 2024 · Lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs), at their core, are weapons that act and make lethal decisions without human intervention, effectively thinking on their own. They are similar to drones but lack the crucial element of human oversight.

Sep 21, 2023 · The development of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has sparked a wide-ranging debate on their use and regulation. This article delves into the contrasting perspectives of optimism, pessimism, and realism surrounding LAWS.