Introduction to the Responsible Robotics Act
New York lawmakers have proposed a landmark bill that targets weaponized machines, including robots and drones. The announcement was made at a press conference at the State Capitol, where Spot, a Boston Dynamics robot, was showcased.
The proposed bill, known as the Responsible Robotics Act, aims to protect communities and maintain public trust in the rapidly advancing technology industry.
Prohibited Activities
The bill, S3133/A399, prohibits the manufacture, modification, sale, transfer, equipping, or operation of robots or "uncrewed aircraft" mounted with weapons such as firearms, stun guns, machine guns, chemical agents, kinetic projectiles, lasers, flamethrowers, and explosives. The Act outlaws using any such machines, whether they follow commands or rely on automatic sensors, data, or artificial intelligence, to hurt someone or harass them.
Penalties and Liability
Anyone who mounts a weapon on a robot or drone would face penalties ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. The law also allows victims of weaponized robots to sue, and authorizes the Attorney General to bring legal action.
Exemptions
Some robots with law enforcement-related purposes have carve-outs in the bill. "These are operations that protect public safety, and they are conducted by experienced officials," said Brendan Schulman, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at Boston Dynamics. Defense industrial companies working with the military and developers testing new robot safety measures would also fall outside the ban. Bomb squads would also still be able to use weaponized machines for training, bomb disposal, and emergencies. Law enforcement can also still use them on private property or for surveillance if they get a warrant. And law enforcement officials would also have to publicly report on their use of such robots.
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Conclusion
The proposed Responsible Robotics Act is a significant step towards regulating the use of weaponized machines in New York. By prohibiting the manufacture and operation of robots and drones equipped with weapons, the bill aims to protect communities and maintain public trust in the technology industry. While there are exemptions for certain law enforcement-related purposes, the bill provides a framework for ensuring that the use of robots and drones is safe and responsible.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Responsible Robotics Act?
A: The purpose of the Act is to protect communities and maintain public trust in the technology industry by regulating the use of weaponized machines.
Q: What types of weapons are prohibited under the Act?
A: The Act prohibits the use of firearms, stun guns, machine guns, chemical agents, kinetic projectiles, lasers, flamethrowers, and explosives on robots or drones.
Q: Are there any exemptions to the Act?
A: Yes, there are exemptions for certain law enforcement-related purposes, defense industrial companies working with the military, and developers testing new robot safety measures.
Q: What are the penalties for violating the Act?
A: Anyone who mounts a weapon on a robot or drone would face penalties ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
