Robots have been roaming the streets of Iraq, since shortly after the war began. Now, for the first time -- the first time in any warzone -- the machines are carrying guns.
After years of development, three "special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action system" (SWORDS) robots have deployed to Iraq, armed with M249 machine guns. The 'bots "haven't fired their weapons yet," Michael Zecca, the SWORDS program manager, tells DANGER ROOM. "But that'll be happening soon."
The SWORDS -- modified versions of bomb-disposal robots used throughout Iraq -- were first declared ready for duty back in 2004. But concerns about safety kept the robots from being sent over the the battlefield. The machines had a tendency to spin out of control from time to time. That was an annoyance during ordnance-handling missions; no one wanted to contemplate the consequences during a firefight.
So the radio-controlled robots were retooled, for greater safety. In the past, weak signals would keep the robots from getting orders for as much as eight seconds -- a significant lag during combat. Now, the SWORDS won't act on a command, unless it's received right away. A three-part arming process -- with both physical and electronic safeties -- is required before firing. Most importantly, the machines now come with kill switches, in case there's any odd behavior. "So now we can kill the unit if it goes crazy," Zecca says.
As initially reported in National Defense magazine, only three of the robots are currently in Iraq. Zecca says he's ready to send more, "but we don't have the money. It's not a priority for the Army, yet." He believes that'll change, once the robots begin getting into firefights.
Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:32 pm
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imamonstertruck VIP
Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 532 Location: Louisville KY
and not to long before they police our streets? and what would be the difference?
I hope this alarms people to resist these things in a verbal manner.
Fri Aug 03, 2007 5:56 pm
alexclaton VIP
Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 688 Location: Hell on earth
just find the signal used to trigger the "kill switch" and ur golden =\
Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:46 pm
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false flag VIP
Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 445 Location: melbourne, Australia
It looks rather primitive and jury-rigged, not exactly IG88 or a Dalek is it?
As Alex stated find the signal to trigger the kill switch to disable the unit, you'd then be able to detach the mounted M249 LMG with relative ease as it looks as it's the standard troop version of the M249 strapped to a bot.
Just like the crews of US warchips firing cruise missiles, the operators of these never have to get their hands dirty or look into the eyes of someone they will kill.
