Military Robots and Drones: A Reference Handbook: A Reference Handbook

For centuries, warring nations have sought to lower the risk to highly vulnerable humans on the battlefield, typically by providing protective armor, making soldiers' positions more difficult to detect, or by striking from locations safe from retaliation. Autonomous weaponry has now reached the point where robotic systems can perform some key tasks that previously required direct human involvement.Military Robots and Drones: A Reference Handbook introduces the lay person to a highly specialized topic, providing the foundation necessary for further study in this field. Appropriate for high school and college-level students, as well as general readers with an interest in the topic, the author explains the many military applications of robotics as well as current limitations and disadvantages. The book also provides a general history of robotic warfare; examines key individuals, agencies, documents, and models; discusses controversies within the field of robotic and drone warfare, such as ethical considerations; and explains how increased reliance on robotics has affected the structure and strategy of the military.

About the Author

Paul J. Springer , PhD, is assistant professor of comparative military studies at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. He previously taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point and Texas A&M University. Springer earned his doctorate at Texas A&M University in 2006, and authored America's Captives: Treatment of POWs from the Revolution to the War on Terror .