HOW DOES IT WORK?
The control stations for most of the currently deployed drone vehicles are set up very similar to video game consoles, with a central display or displays connected to a dedicated hardware unit that runs the proprietary software brain of the drone. The controls are either a single joystick or the more familiar dual joystick setup of the Playstation or Xbox controller.
In the case of ground-based drones, the control signal is carried by radio, which relies on line of sight and relatively close proximity. The Predator and the Global Hawk (an unarmed recon drone) are typically controlled through secure microwave transmissions from military satellites. This greatly extends the range of control and reduces the chances of interception or interference by the enemy. When the pilot of a drone wants to fire a weapon, he must go through the same chain of command as any other pilot or soldier—he notifies command that a target has been sighted, declares if there are collateral targets or civilians around, and awaits permission.
As their systems improve and the military’s understanding of robotic systems increases, drones will be given greater autonomy. Facial-recognition technology could allow robots to search for individual human targets. Bomb discovery and disposal could be fully automated. Larger robots built to haul heavy equipment could be taught to follow the soldiers to whom they are assigned, like an armored dog. Sophisticated friend or foe recognition capabilities could allow robots to make the distinction between ally and enemy and designate targets for human soldiers or human-operated drones. Inevitably, the decision to fire a killing shot will one day be fully automated.