Robot makers will not weaponize

Plus: New AI-powered helmet could give firefighters ‘superpower’. Oct 10, 2022 [Blueprint]( Rise of the machines? No, thank you. Boston Dynamics and five other robot companies [have signed a pledge]( not to make any robots that can harm humans, and others have been encouraged to follow suit. They added that their robots could provide great benefit to society as co-workers in industry and companions in people’s homes but warned of the possibility of nefarious use of this technology by “ill-intentioned actors” (bad guys). The latest generations of robots are more accessible, easier to operate, more autonomous, affordable, and adaptable than previous generations, and capable of navigating into locations previously inaccessible to automated or remotely-controlled technologies. And that’s what makes them pretty awesome, but also pretty dangerous in the wrong hands. But before you check that out, [take a look at this video]( which gives a fairly compelling argument as to why solar panels should be affordable for everyone. It makes sense, really. Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s get started. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers had an exclusive insight from scientists from around the globe about whether coffee has many more (some fairly life-changing) health benefits than we realize. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+ today]( to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. [Play]VIDEO OF THE DAY [Why solar panels should be affordable for everyone.]( [Why solar panels should be affordable for everyone.]( Shining a light on a very bright idea. [Must Read]MUST READ [Boston Dynamics and five other robot makers pledge not to weaponize their robots.]( [Robot makers pledge not to weaponize their robots.]( War of the Worlds it isn’t, but it seems not all robotic threats are other worldly. [Six robot making companies]( have been asked to sign a new pledge, in reaction to the emergence of advanced mobile robots, which is considered to offer the possibility of misuse. The thinking is that untrustworthy people could use the robots (which are now pretty scarily/impressively advanced in their capabilities) to invade civil rights or to threaten, harm, or intimidate others. An area of particular concern is weaponization, it seems, which is why the need for the pledge. Because it is thought that adding weapons to robots that are remotely or autonomously operated, widely available to the public, and capable of navigating to previously inaccessible locations where people live and work, raises new risks of harm and serious ethical issues. → The other five firms were Agility Robotics, ANYbotics, Clearpath Robotics, Open Robotics, and Unitree. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Linkedin]( [INNOVATION]INNOVATION [New AI-powered helmet could give firefighters ‘superpower’ to rescue victims faster.]( Researchers from Edinburgh's National Robotarium in the U.K. have [developed an AI helmet]( to help firefighters navigate a smoke-filled environment and rescue victims more quickly. It was created using sensors, thermal cameras, and radar technologies. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( And Other Stories in Innovation - Scientists [retrofit diesel engines]( to use hydrogen as fuel, increasing efficiency by 26%. - The US’ [first wind-solar-battery project]( is now online and can power around 100,000 homes. - Hyundai to unveil the world’s first hotel [powered entirely by EVs](. [SCIENCE]SCIENCE [Giant, four-legged kangaroo survived until 20,000 years ago, study reveals.]( Fresh analysis indicates the [kangaroo lived long after other large-bodied “megafauna”]( on mainland Australia went extinct. It also shows the s ignificance of modern analytical techniques as tools to confirm timelines of life on Earth. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( And Other Stories in Science - This fusion machine becomes the [hottest place in the solar system]( when turned on. [premium] - World’s first [carbon-eating concrete blocks]( are weeks away from commercial use. [premium] - [AI-powered disaster monitoring system]( can map hurricane damage and save lives. [MAIL & MUSINGS]MAIL & MUSINGS Boston Dynamics and five other robot makers pledge not to weaponize their robots. Do you think there’s a genuine risk that a robot maker could create a robot army? [Yes, which is why we need the pledge]( [It’s possible but highly unlikely]( [No, this isn’t a sci-fi movie]( [No, not without anyone noticing]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS On Saturday, we asked you if you think prosthetics will one day be as good as real limbs, and 40 percent of you said yes, we’re almost there. 40% Yes, we are almost there. 39% Maybe, it all depends on the research and development. 17% No, you can’t replicate nature. 4% Yes, AI can do anything. [QUOTE OF THE DAY]QUOTE OF THE DAY “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science”. Charles Darwin 1809–82 English natural historian: The Descent of Man (1871) introduction. [THINGS WE LOVE]THINGS WE LOVE [image]( [Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike]( [image]( [Tangsfire Electric Bike Charger]( [image]( [Unistellar Telescope]( [image]( [MIATONE Camping Speaker]( [Reasons you should own a smart watch.]( [AND ANOTHER THING]AND ANOTHER THING - [Could coffee prolong your life?]( Scientists think it might. [premium] - Mars’ buried ‘lake’ might just be [layers of ice and rock](. (Science News) - [Scientists use gene-edited sheep]( to treat deadly childhood brain disease, - Even healthy snacks could be [causing hidden damage to your body](. (New Scientist) - NASA-funded technique allows doctors to [remove kidney stones without anesthesia](. - Climate change: World aviation agrees ['aspirational' net-zero plan](. (BBC) - Honda unveils the Prologue, its [first electric SUV](. [Subscribe to IE+ today.]( Prepared by Alice Cooke Enjoy Reading? Forward this email to a friend. Was this email forwarded to you? 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