The United States of America has machines of war that are unmanned or controlled from a distance that help them fight the war on terror. Some of these are drone or spy planes, robot "pack mules" or armed robots, exoskeleton machines that allow soldiers super strength. I think this is a good thing for now but what could this lead too? Here is a video of big dog 2008, their is a new video of big dog with the ability to throw cylinder blocks ( 2013 ). Also keep in mind the big dog can be equipped with a 50 caliber gun. Give me your thoughts if you want.

www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DcNZPRsrwumQ

Don't see how why this an issue that brings up a "what could this lead to" question. Based on the title of this thread, you seem to be suggesting a possibility of machines overthrowing humanity. These drones and machines you mentioned are not even remotely like that. They don't think on their own. They are completely human controlled and human programmed. The only way a "terminator" like event could happen is if we managed to create legitimate AI. These machines are not intelligent and do not REALLY think. Now, if we created a real life AI and decided to link it in a way that gave it control of these drones, MAYBE there could be a problem. But as of now, real AI is only science fiction and not a reality.

As Rcarter said, this is nothing near the same. Closest to AI we have are in video games really. And even those are NOWHERE near the level of what it would take for a computer rebellion. At best? And it's not going to happen for MANY MANY years... Our video game AI's get advanced enough to control the entire mechanic of their game... However that DOES sound rather horrid... Imagine playing Mario... And suddenly? A Koopa gets the star power! DOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!!!!!! But yeah, the likely hood of a robot such as Big Dog, or unmanned drones becoming excessively intelligent and going Terminator, Geth, or Cylon? Slim to none.

rcarter2 :   Thanks for the response guys. I agree, the missing element to make one of these robots go rogue is the Artificial intelligence. Hopefully in my opinion scientists are not working on A.I. As we speak lol. 

Well sadly enough? They probably are. Humanity has a terrible habit of not knowing when enough is enough. Chances are they are test running an AI as we speak. All the movies where AI's are controlling things? They stem from the fears of man, our government however has a VERY nasty habit of going 'This is a bad idea... But we can TOTALLY pull it off.' Best example of that? The Atom Bomb. Everyone knew what it was capable of, knew the horrors it would cause. They just didn't care at the time, all they cared about was being the first to use it. To make it known 'we aren't playing around anymore guys quit it.' And while yes, it worked. It also had TERRIBLE repercussions. The damage from the Atom bomb while physically may go away entirely, the scars it left on lives and families, let alone the entire country of Japan, will never fade. 

The best we can do at this point is hope, and I use that word in the sense that we are wasting our time, that our government, China, or even Japan, shut down any programs to do with something so potentially dangerous at the first sign of a hitch. Whether it be AI, or the next WMD. I know I'd be asking for a lot there however.

Not really sure if true Artificial Intelligence is something you can purposefully work on. I mean, how can you monitor if it is independent intelligence or just it's programming? I mean, could we really tell? Really, the only way we could know for sure is if it became obviously self aware. By that time, it would be too late. I think that if AI were really possible, it isn't something made because someone was working on it. It would be something completely unexpected.

Questioning New tools For any Job Is Very Valid.

Granted I think the notion behind this thread may be a "Flight Of Fantasy" inspired by movies.

But still it is always a good idea to question the new equipment and the new practices. Who keeps a job and how easy is it to dispose of staff. Working for you or on opposite sides.
I Always question the new tools and equipment they employ in my work site. Some are specifically a waste of money and complicate a simple task beyond reason. Others make the Job so easy it's a joy. The times the job gets easier are so few and far between I strongly recommend keeping as many jobs as low-tech as possible. I would rather companies invest in good people and not "The Newest Equipment".

As far as military tools are concerned.?
I have one concern and one concern alone.
Anything that helps save lives is a plus.

I do have one concern though. What if one day control of all of these automated devices were to leave the hands of the trained professionals?
What if the guys in 3-piece suits were pushing the buttons?
It's already a crappy world as is. But at least the job is left for trained professionals.
Just a thought.

Good Luck To All.
I'm done. Stick a fork in me.
Peace.

orionfoxgibson : Great insight Orion. You are right, a good thing about drones is that they do save the life of a soldier if it were to get shot down. Also you pointed out what could be a bad situation if some other government besides the U.S had this tecknowledgy. As for the notion behind this thread, I have been seeing quite a few storys on the news about it and just wanted to see what other people thoughts are about the subject.

AI can just learn what is there for it to learn, so it is hard to imagine robots finding a way to overthrow humanity without anybody realising, also AI can be predicted if you know the programing behind it so humans should always be two steps ahead

ant123ant : Interesting. Other then turning out to be rogue A.I., sometimes I wonder if mankind would depend on the machines over a period of time and get dependent on them where it would be harmful.

What we seem to be experiencing right now is most likely a evolution of technology it seems to be taking a big step you know like horses to cars and stuff like that but its no suprise since more and more intelligent people are being born everyday at different times.

austipokedude :   Yea, I can agree to that. This might be slightly off topic but with the internet, a lot of people has access to information and the opportunity is their to learn about whatever interests them.

The whole "Robots destroying the world" thing was really a far stretch, until last month, when scientists created a self learning computer chip, and eventually, that thing is going to become more and more intelligent until it renders us useless, and attempts to kill us.

I'm scared, personally.

alexanyways : The Terminator discussion kind of reminds me of the mayan 2012 calender ending. I was actually toying with the thought that this could happen on that date, even after Y2K. Now I won't believe anything untill I see It really. Also I would get scared when people start having chips on their brain as their computer/ phone. Would you do this? Holla back.

BtotheH : Actually, there's already computer chips that people have injected, and they are used as credit cards or something. I've heard that they're going to be used a lot more in the future, which scares me. Google Glass also has something very similar to that, really close to the brain, and it's an extremely powerful computer.

The way technology is progress can be scary at times... but I doubt anything like terminators will happen any time soon... so we can enjoy are lives in peace... for now...

I will tell you easily, we are headed to a world of nonstop war. Hope you enjoy the ride!