A major U.S. airstrike in Somalia reportedly killed at least 150 al-Shabab fighters. The strike, which was carried out by manned and unmanned aircraft, targeted a compound 120 miles north of Mogadishu. According to a statement released by the Pentagon, the Shabab fighters were assembling for an attack on American and allied military installations in east Africa. (New York Times)
Nearly 60 years of American case law indicate that while robot technology has been developing by leaps and bounds, the courts’ concept of robots is confused and largely stuck in the past. If we are to depend on our legal systems for clarity — especially as new technologies take us into uncharted territory — the courts will need partner closely with technology experts to develop a more nuanced understanding of robotics. Legal scholar Ryan Calo shows us the way.