Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS)

Autonomous weapon systems (AWS) are advanced military technologies that are capable of independently identifying, selecting, and engaging targets without direct human control or intervention. These systems use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced sensors to make real-time decisions in complex environments. AWS can include various platforms, such as drones, ground robots, and naval or underwater vehicles, that are equipped with weapons and operate based on pre-programmed algorithms or real-time data inputs. While these systems can operate autonomously or with minimal human oversight, they are designed to carry out missions that traditionally required human involvement, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations.

Governments and companies are rapidly developing weapons systems with increasing autonomy using new technology and artificial intelligence. These ‘killer robots’ could be used in conflict zones, by police forces and in border control. But a machine should not be allowed to make a decision over life and death. UN experts have reported to the Security Council on the recent use of “lethal autonomous weapons” in conflict in Gaza, Ukraine and Libya. The use of these munitions, with no specific limits on how they function or how they are used, shows that the need for new law is urgent. Autonomy in weapons systems is a profoundly human problem. Killer robots change the relationship between people and technology by handing over life and death decision-making to machines. They challenge human control over the use of force, and where they target people, they dehumanise us – reducing us to data points. But, technologies are designed and created by people. We have a responsibility to establish boundaries between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. We have the capacity to do this, to protect our humanity and ensure that the society we live in, that we continue to build, is one in which human life is valued – not quantified.

SPADO is one of the founding members of the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. With growing digital dehumanisation, the Stop Killer Robots coalition works to ensure human control in the use of force. Our campaign calls for new international law on autonomy in weapons systems. A united voice with national, regional and international affect. We are a vibrant, inclusive team driving change to protect our shared humanity for the future.

The campaign calls on states to:
• Adopt an international, legally binding instrument that prohibits the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons
• Adopt national laws or policies that establish prohibitions on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons
• Companies and individuals working on artificial intelligence and related technologies should support the call for a ban and pledge not to help develop fully autonomous weapons