Jutta Weber: On Digital Warfare & ‘Ethical’ Killing Machines: A Case Study of Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles in US & NATO Military

Abstract

Killing with robots is no more a future scenario but became a reality in the first decade of the 21st century. The U.S. & NATO forces are using uninhabited combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in their Iraq and Afghanistan wars with rising numbers of killed civilians. Nevertheless, the automation of warfare is envisioned by the U.S.government for 2032. In the frame of the European Research Project ETHICBOTS - Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Robotic Systems (SAS 6 – 017759; Nov. 2005 – April 2008), we analyzed recent developments in military robotics in Europe and USA and undertook a case study on unmanned combat aerial vehicles. I will present some of the research findings and reflect them from a feminist STS perspective.

The seminar will be held in english

Välkomna!
Rikard Harr