What was it about?

Weapon systems that can select and engage targets without human intervention were, not so long ago, the exclusive domain of science fiction. Technological advances made in recent years in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence have now brought this notion to the threshold of concrete implementation.

The pros and cons of autonomous weapons systems are the subject of controversy: For some, they are a blessing, as they can be used to take soldiers out of harm's way. For others, they are a curse, as they increasingly transfer the decision to use lethal force to unscrupulous machines. On behalf of the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment, TAB has produced a report that comprehensively addresses technical aspects, ethical considerations and international policy issues in the context of autonomous weapons systems.

The newly published TAB report on autonomous weapon systems provided the occasion for scientists to have their say on the multifaceted aspects of the topic and for members of parliament and the interested public to have the opportunity to clarify questions and take a stand in the context of the public expert discussion.

Programme

The expert discussion was broadcast live on parliamentary television. Members of the German Bundestag were able to actively participate via the video conferencing tool WebEx . The public also had the opportunity to ask questions to the experts via the adhocracy+ platform.