Israel's Killer 'Bot: Safe Enough for War?

[Ian David]

In late 2004, the U.S. Army introduced a ground robot, modified to carry a machine gun, grenade launcher, or anti-tank rockets. Someday, not too far off, these modified Talon 'bots (ordinarily used for bomb disposal) would be headed into Iraq -- marking the first appearance of unmanned infantry.

Two-and-a-half years later, we're all still waiting. The reason: safety. Talons -- like all computers, like all machines -- have a tendency to act extremely weird every once in a while. That's acceptable, in the Talon's unarmed configuration. But when it's carrying a gun? No dice. We've all had Windows crash on us. Now imagine if your laptop had an automatic weapon.

All of this is a long way of saying to take an Israel defense firm's announcement, that they've put together an armed robot, with a grain or three of salt. Just because they built it doesn't mean it's going to war, any time soon. The VIPeR ("Versatile, Intelligent, Portable Robot") is a tiny thing, just 25 pounds and 18 inches square, according to Defense Update. It can be equipped with a "9 mm mini-Uzi with scope and pointer, or grenade launcher. The system is remotely controlled via a control harness and helmet mounted display." Infrared and standard cameras, robotic arms, and explosives sniffer could all be swapped in, as well. The small robot will maneuver with an "integrated wheeled/track system, powered by two electrical motors, and a 'scorpion tail' for stabilization," which should let it move "over rough terrain, while handling obstacles, climbing steps or crawling into confined subterranean spaces and caves."

VIPeR is the latest in a fairly long series of 'bots from unmanned arsenal in the sky, as well. VIPeR was "developed for the Israel Defense Forces... in close cooperation with The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense... Following operational evaluation, the IDF plans on fielding VIPeR in its infantry platoons."

That is, if they can work the safety issues out.

More:
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/03/in_late_2004_th.html

[shain from kane]

1. Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer, do.

There is a flower within my heart,
Daisy, Daisy!
Planted one day by a glancing dart,
Planted by Daisy Bell!
Whether she loves me or loves me not,
Sometimes it's hard to tell;
Yet I am longing to share the lot
Of Beautiful Daisy Bell!

Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer, do.
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage!
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll look sweet,
On the seat,
Of A Bicycle Built For Two.

We will go tandem as man and wife,
Daisy, Daisy!
Ped'ling away down the road of life,
I and my Daisy Bell!
When the road's dark
we can both despise
P'licemen and lamps as well;
There are bright lights
in the dazzling eyes
Of beautiful Daisy Bell!
@1I will stand by you in `wheel` or woe,
Daisy, Daisy!
You'll be the bell which I'll ring,
you know!
Sweet little Daisy Bell!
You'll take the lead
in each trip we take,
Then, if I don't do well;
I will permit you to use the brake,
My beautiful Daisy Bell!

[htuttle]

2. "I feel much better now, I really do."

[shain from kane]

3. I've just picked up a fault in the AE35 unit. It's going to go 100% failure in 72 hours.

It can only be attributable to human error.