The question is, “Are robot stretchers reliable?”
In September 2017, we learnt that BAE Systems had designed a
robot stretcher that can remove a wounded soldier from the battlefield.
This electric powered vehicle is unmanned, driven remotely
by wireless remote control.
Eventually it will be fitted with artificial intelligence,
like a GPS I suppose. This will allow the vehicle to navigate the battlefield,
surprisingly all on its own.
So, how reliable will these robot stretchers be?
For with any electrical item this too will need charging,
but if someone forgets to charge it, that’s going to be a problem.
It’s also a problem if it runs over a landmine and can’t
finish its rescue mission, or worse still if this was to happen when its
carrying a wounded soldier.
In the future, they plan to fit it with bomb disposal
equipment, cameras for missions, or even a machine gun.
So, with regard to all of the above, how can they prevent
the programme from being corrupted or worse still, controlled by a different
remote handler that gets onto the same frequency?
But hey, I’m no expert, what do you think?
Author: Charmain Ingleton
