Autonomous military robotics present significant risks and ethical challenges. This report, prepared for the US Department of Navy, Office of Naval Research, explores the implications of deploying autonomous systems in warfare, focusing on battlefield robotics. It addresses the need for ethical considerations, risk assessment, and the development of ethical frameworks for autonomous systems. The report outlines the current and future state of military robotics, including ground, aerial, marine, and space robots, and discusses the ethical and legal issues associated with their use. The report emphasizes the importance of programming robots to comply with the Laws of War and Rules of Engagement, as well as the need for ethical theories and frameworks to guide their development. It also discusses the potential for autonomous systems to reduce unethical behavior on the battlefield, but highlights the risks of unintended harm, malfunction, and the ethical implications of autonomous decision-making. The report calls for a proactive approach to addressing these issues, including the development of ethical guidelines and risk assessment frameworks. The report also addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with autonomous systems, including the question of whether robots can be considered legal quasi-agents. It discusses the potential for robots to be used in lethal applications, and the ethical implications of such use. The report highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to robot ethics, including the development of ethical theories, legal frameworks, and risk assessment models. The report concludes that autonomous military robotics require careful consideration of ethical, legal, and technical issues. It calls for further research and development in this area, as well as the establishment of ethical guidelines and risk assessment frameworks to ensure the responsible development and use of autonomous systems. The report also emphasizes the importance of public engagement and education in addressing the ethical and social implications of autonomous military robotics.Autonomous military robotics present significant risks and ethical challenges. This report, prepared for the US Department of Navy, Office of Naval Research, explores the implications of deploying autonomous systems in warfare, focusing on battlefield robotics. It addresses the need for ethical considerations, risk assessment, and the development of ethical frameworks for autonomous systems. The report outlines the current and future state of military robotics, including ground, aerial, marine, and space robots, and discusses the ethical and legal issues associated with their use. The report emphasizes the importance of programming robots to comply with the Laws of War and Rules of Engagement, as well as the need for ethical theories and frameworks to guide their development. It also discusses the potential for autonomous systems to reduce unethical behavior on the battlefield, but highlights the risks of unintended harm, malfunction, and the ethical implications of autonomous decision-making. The report calls for a proactive approach to addressing these issues, including the development of ethical guidelines and risk assessment frameworks. The report also addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with autonomous systems, including the question of whether robots can be considered legal quasi-agents. It discusses the potential for robots to be used in lethal applications, and the ethical implications of such use. The report highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to robot ethics, including the development of ethical theories, legal frameworks, and risk assessment models. The report concludes that autonomous military robotics require careful consideration of ethical, legal, and technical issues. It calls for further research and development in this area, as well as the establishment of ethical guidelines and risk assessment frameworks to ensure the responsible development and use of autonomous systems. The report also emphasizes the importance of public engagement and education in addressing the ethical and social implications of autonomous military robotics.