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Book Review

Wired for War--The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century

P.W. Singer

Penguin (December 29, 2009)

While the mission of DIY Drones is to promote the development of amatuer UAVs in the hobby or even commercial worlds, but to the stated exclusion of military applications, it was unavoidable that, welcome or not, this site would be noticed by some on the military and government side of the fence. Indeed, in yet another instance, DIY Drones as well as its originator, Chris Anderson, received direct mention in the subject of this post, the book "Wired for War--The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century."

Introduction

The title not withstanding, Wired for War covers much more ground than how robots are used in warfare. Given that UAVs are most likely the primary interest of visitors to this site, I will say that if you just want to read about the cool, whizbang stuff going on in that arena, this is not the book for you. On the other hand, if you want an in-depth look at what the author and others consider to be the next RMA--Revolution in Military Affairs--and how it revolves around robotics, you will want to read this book. You might be surprised by some of what you read with regard to the acceptance of technology in general, and robotics in particular, among some in the military. Indeed, you might be disappointed.

On the Plus Side

Singer has clearly done his homework in that he has apparenty read a lot and interviewed quite a few people. He has given the reader a great deal of information, both technical and non-technical, as well as much think about. He goes into some depth with regard to the conduct of war in general and other social issues related to conflict. While this might seem to drag on at times, he ultimately makes the connection with how robotics might effect the conduct of war, how combatants might react to the presence of robots, and even how the decision to enter into a conflict might be effected.

On the Negative Side

At one point, Singer was throwing out so many social statistics that I wondered if this was going to be like one of those Carl Sagan talks where people showed up to learn about billions and billions of stars and galaxies, only to be lectured on the perils of nuclear winter. Like some of those people who walked out on Mr. Sagan, Mr. Singer nearly lost me when he found a way, in book on robotics, to insert the mantra relative to aspects of global warming that it is "without dispute..." Indeed, a great deal of information is presented that is not directly related to the technical aspects of robotics. This is only a negative based on my personal expectations, perhaps.

In the Middle

One observation of my own is that this is a book of observations. As already noted, Singer has done his homework. In the end though, few suggestions are given as to what to do with this wealth of information. Perhaps it's presented along the lines of 'I'll report, you decide.' This is not a how-to book on the effective use of robots in war.

Conclusion

I definitely recommend this book. It's not a quick read and, despite some of the one-liner reviews like "it blew my (expletive deleted) mind," it's far from just a gee whiz, whizbang discussion of ultra-cool technology. This is a fairly thorough look at the current state of robotics, what the future might hold, and what we need to think about with regard to the impact of robotics on all things related to war and conflict.