South Korea’s Robot Gun Turret
CCTV (China Central Television, the english version) has reported on the Korean robotic turret system that can detect and engage targets with or without a human operator.
The media has made a big deal about this system but American and European turret systems could easily run software to automatically detect and engage targets. They don't because it isn't a very good idea.
[ Many thanks to SeanG for emailing me the link. ]

Australia has them the metal storm weapon system as well, Korea isn’t the first.
Robot Turret that’s for replace landmine,
The Coast Guard gets phalanxes? I guess all those lost yacht owners are a more dire threat with each passing day.
sky net in the making.
“controlled remotely”
Its just another RWS.
It’s the UA 571-C Remote Sentry Weapon System from movie Aliens – Tunnel Scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGE_h4jBBXc
3km?! That’s nuts. It’s so futuristic looking.
It seems the purpose of these weapon systems would be more in tune with a minefield than with a machine gun nest. And in that respect, they probably perform better than a minefield in many ways- easy to remove after hostilities, at least some IFF capability, less likely to go off from children or large animals
Buildin a sentry!
Not a good idea? Perhaps automated target engagement might not catch on here, but keep in mind South Korea has a substantial northern border where these could come in handy. If you (or your robot) sees someone in the DMZ, it is probably a safe bet they shouldn’t be there. Shoot first, ask questions later.
This + Watson = ?
Extreme, LOL
Is it really that bad an idea? I would think it would be great as a supplement or replacement to a conventional mine field. Any sort of large scale conventional war really, where you are unlikely to need to discern between civilian and military targets on an active battlefield…
Robocop!!!
Actually, America does use automated turrets. The Phalanx CIWS is installed on every US Navy and Coast Guard vessel. The US has been using them since 1980. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx_CIWS
Hopw does it know who’s friendly and who isn’t? That is bothering the crap out of me. what if you are a friendly and all of the sudden it goes nuts and starts shooting all willy nilly. this thing is not safe, is neat but definitely not safe IMO.
Hey, it’s a good idea when vicious aliens that gestate in human hosts are trying to overrun your perimeter…
What the story behind the guys at the end of the vid? Is that the North/South border and are the troops from each side facing each other? I didn’t realize they stood face to face and looked around each other with bino’s….. Being a Marine and knowing the shit we talked to other braches (and any P.O.G’s) I can’t imagine the shit talking that is taking place at that post……
I’ll say, the blue screen of death could become litetal! Although they could be forgiven if they used the voice from the turret guns in Portal,
There isnt much point if it cant make difference between enemies and friends.
Not a good idea? You got that right.