The idea of artificial people is an old one. In fact Leonardo da Vinci is credited with making the first recorded design of a humanoid robot, a kind of mechanical knight.
It is this importance attached to winning wars that led to much of the development of modern robots. In ancient times the general led from the front and if we study history we find that in times of war nations paid a heavy price in terms of generals killed in battle. In modern times battlefield leaders are somewhat safer, advancing behind protective barriers of steel and artillery fire. Still casualties are high.
The ultimate dream weapon is a metal soldier which can fight the enemy thus minimizing human casualties. This is where modern robots can step in.Development in robotics have ensured that robots are now no longer confined to performing repetitive mechanical tasks in a workshop or factory. Although Bill Gates has said that personal robotics today is at a stage that personal computers were in the mid -70's, it raises the distinct possibility of an artificial human being within the next generation.
One can imagine the advantages of an army that is factory produced in various shapes and sizes according to the mission to be accomplished. There will be virtually no human casualties and the supply will be unlimited. The generals and other leaders will be miles away from the actual battlefield in safe locations. In fact the conduct of war will be in the hands of computer geeks rather than army generals.Presently, huge resources are required to provide training to army recruits and to supply food and medical aid on the battlefield. This will become a thing of the past.Training will be provided by a silicon chip and solar power would perhaps take care of the rest.
Even today, robots or mechanical devices are performing many functions, especially 'drones' which have the capability of even firing missiles.But the possibilities of their use in tasks such as clearing minefields etc. and also operating in areas with a high risk of chemical warfare or even more lethal forms of combat are endless.
Although the advantages are immense they have to be tempered with a word of caution. Once we have machines which have been given a sense of perception and the power of decision making to harm others, then what happens if something goes wrong?
Although we have not reached this stage as yet, this is a dilemma we may soon have to face and address.
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