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I am very interested in the future consequences of robotics in warfare. Throughout history, the wealthy have always needed mercenaries and laborers, and often
by FD3SA 13y ago
I am very interested in the future consequences of robotics in warfare.
Throughout history, the wealthy have always needed mercenaries and laborers, and often used the former to enforce the obedience of the latter. What happens, when technology becomes so advanced that the wealthy can not only afford all the necessities and luxuries of life without laborers, but also the ability to purchase robotic mercenary forces, with no humans involved?
Now, the transition period will be interesting, as there will always be human operators required prior to AGI. But as automation progresses, fewer and fewer highly skilled individuals will be able to directly operate larger and larger automated facilities. Transportation, sanitation, agriculture, shelter, energy production and even military forces could be controlled by a very small number of individuals.
The only restraint is how much capital the owner has at their disposal.
This scenario of Neo-Feudalism is far more disquieting than classical Feudalism. Back then, even peasants had some use. In this new system, most people are worthless.
Sci-fi for now, but for how much longer?
- Zigurd 13y agoThat, or drones will become contraband and the dangerous tools of terrorists 5 minutes after some Pakistani university students build a UAV that blows up some military brass walking between buildings at CENTCOM. The lack of forethought in the use of drones is staggering.
- IvyMike 13y agoThis is pretty simplistic, but I still think it's true: plenty of times in history, when the ruling class got too powerful, there was a revolt. But when the ruling class has a unsympathetic perfectly controlled drone army, I think revolt might be near impossible. Orwell's boot stomping on a human face forever is actually BigDog.