The US Army is giving serious thought to using robots and remote-controlled vehicles instead of soldiers, according to a senior officer.
Generals are considering proposals in light of upcoming large-scale troop cuts. Trains of robot vehicles could follow those driven by humans in long supply convoys, replacing any number of manned lorries and transporters.
By the end of next year, soldier numbers are scheduled to go down from 540,000 to some 490,000 troops or more.
Current thinking focuses on automating facets of transport rather than combat soldiers.
The Army’s head of training, Gen Robert Cone, said that the Army should emulate the successful example of the US Navy which has used technology to reduce manpower requirements on ships.
Already a few robot ground vehicles are have been tested in Afghanistan, including a robot buggy on six wheels which carries soldiers’ kit and baggage.
Unmanned drone aircraft operated remotely have been in operation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US has an aggressive drone campaign against alleged insurgents and terrorists.
The UK operates hundreds of these, from small surveillance helicopters to large ones equipped with deadly missiles.
Critics fear that fighting in the future could be through unaccountable robot killing machines. In 2012, Human Rights Watch called for a ban on killer robots “before it is too late”.
