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A next-generation protective emblem: Cross-frequency protective options for non-combatants in the context of (fully) autonomous warfare

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2024

Daniel C. Hinck ,
Jonas J. Schöttler ,
Maria Krantz ,
Niklas Widulle ,
Katharina-Sophie Isleif  and
Oliver Niggemann
Daniel C. Hinck
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medical Service and Health Sciences, Command and Staff College of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
Jonas J. Schöttler
Affiliation:
Research Assistant, Chair of Computer Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
Maria Krantz
Affiliation:
Post-Doctoral Researcher, Chair of Computer Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
Niklas Widulle
Affiliation:
Research Assistant, Chair of Computer Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
Katharina-Sophie Isleif
Affiliation:
Chair of Metrology, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
Oliver Niggemann*
Affiliation:
Chair of Computer Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
*
**Corresponding email: next_gen_protective_emblem@hsu-hh.de
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Abstract

The protection of non-combatants in times of autonomous warfare raises the question of the timeliness of the international protective emblem. (Fully) Autonomous weapon systems are often launched from a great distance, and there may be no possibility for the operators to notice protective emblems at the point of impact; therefore, such weapon systems will need to have a way to detect protective emblems and react accordingly. In this regard, the present contribution suggests a cross-frequency protective emblem. Technical deployment is considered, as well as interpretation by methods of machine learning. Approaches are explored as to how software can recognize protective emblems under the influence of various boundary conditions. Since a new protective emblem could also be misused, methods of distribution are considered, including encryption and authentication of the received signal. Finally, ethical aspects are examined.

Keywords

Geneva Conventionsprotective emblemartificial intelligenceautonomous warfareloitering weaponsdrone warfarenon-combatantswar crimes
Type
Research Article
Information
International Review of the Red Cross , First View , pp. 1 - 29
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of ICRC

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Footnotes

*

Equal contribution.

†

This work has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Defence. Niklas Widulle is funded by dtec.bw, the Digitalization and Technology Research Center of the Bundeswehr; dtec.bw is funded by NextGenerationEU. Maria Krantz is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action through the ZIM programme.

The advice, opinions and statements contained in this article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ICRC. The ICRC does not necessarily represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information provided in this article.

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