The United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is currently evaluating robotic “dogs” developed by Ghost Robotics and considering arming them with weapons from Onyx Industries. MARSOC is testing the quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) for various applications, including reconnaissance and surveillance. The armed Q-UGVs use gun systems based on Onyx’s SENTRY remote weapon system and are capable of detecting and tracking targets for remote engagement. The rise of small robotic unmanned ground vehicles for military use has led to experimentation with strapping weapons to them. However, the deployment of armed robotic dogs raises questions about the future of warfare, ethical concerns, and potential risks associated with increasingly autonomous weapons systems.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation of armed robotic dogs | Increase in military use of robotic dogs | More advanced and widespread use of armed robotic dogs in military operations | Increasing interest in small robotic unmanned ground vehicles for military use |
| Concerns about ethical implications of autonomous weapons | Increased debate and regulation on the use of autonomous weapons | Stricter regulations and guidelines on the development and use of autonomous weapons systems | Growing concern about the ethical implications and risks of autonomous weapons systems |
| Potential backlash if remote weapons systems are used domestically by police | Increased scrutiny and public opposition to the use of remote weapons systems by law enforcement | Stricter regulations and public backlash against the use of remote weapons systems by police | Concerns about the militarization of domestic law enforcement and potential abuses of power |
| Concerns about increasing autonomy of weapons systems | Debates on the extent of human control in weaponized autonomous systems | Continued discussions on the role of human oversight in autonomous weapons | Advancements in AI-enabled autonomy and debates on the ethics of human control in weaponized systems |
| Potential use of Q-UGVs for reconnaissance and security in hazardous environments | Reduced risks to human personnel in dangerous situations | Wider deployment of Q-UGVs for reconnaissance and security purposes | Enhanced protection and safety for military personnel operating in high-risk environments |