AI researchers pledge to never develop killer robots

Over 160 companies working in artificial intelligence have signed a pledge not to develop lethal autonomous weapons. The pledge, which was signed by 2,400 individuals including representatives from Google DeepMind, the European Association for AI and University College London, says that signatories will "neither participate in nor support the development, manufacture, trade, or use of lethal autonomous weapons." The pledge was announced by Max Tegmark, president of the Future of Life Institute, which organized the effort. "I'm excited to see AI leaders shifting from talk to action, implementing a policy that politicians have thus far failed to put into effect. AI has huge potential to help the world -- if we stigmatize and prevent its abuse," he said in a statement.