Can the Machines Fight the Undead?
They are emotionless, unflinching, they fear nothing on this Earth, they do not complain when given an order, or do they fear their own demise. They are but machines. Truly that is all a robot is, a machine, perhaps extremely complex and expensive, perhaps intelligent and capable of telling the difference from friend or foe, they are nevertheless machines.
At the dawn of the twenty first century the military is testing and fielding robots, while not the killing machines of the movies they are more than capable of destroying a man. Mounted with machineguns, rocket launchers, the latest Metal Storm weapons, and the odd sniper rifle, they provide a stable gun platform that can rarely be imitated by a human and at less danger the our own men’s lives.As with the personalities of man, these robots have just as many flavors. There are armed and unarmed, mobile, and stationary. They are powered by batteries, and solar powered, controlled by man and independent of manual control. There are ones that are designed to search and destroy and wait for extended lengths of time for the foe to come their way.
And from the science fiction books and movie scientists are now becoming capable of producing, at least on the small scale, nano technologies. Robots so small that they can travel in our blood.
However, against an undead foe, the zombie, what use can such weapons be? This is the question I leave for the readers, can these weapons of the future be utilized against our foe? Or are these hopes for artificial intelligence and nano technologies saving mankind nothing more than a good show, and wishful thinking?
Comments (19)
ZAC Admin on 18 Jun 2008 at 8:28 pm #
I personally believe that these tools would be most effective in a zombie outbreak. Though I also believe that the average person would not see these in abundance, nor would they have access to them unless it was homemade.
However, these could be great in not only defensive moves, but in testing. The robots would be used much like they would in bomb scenarios. Send the robot in to do the work and monitor it.
Here, the robot would have the clear advantage assuming the zombie only attacks based on smell. I would imagine that the undead would have some reaction to the robot’s presence, but I cannot see a ghoul attacking the robot.
German Psycho on 19 Jun 2008 at 9:00 am #
I believe that machines will be the ultimate Z killing machine for the same reasons stated above. They will be so succesful in eliminating the Zs that the following war against the humans will be one more skirmish against moving flesh.
ZzDeuceX on 19 Jun 2008 at 12:18 pm #
I dont think the terminator style of walking robot with hand held gun is a good idea, but perhaps the stable platform of a robot gun-man can be used. I suggest human controlled only. No AI what-so-ever! As bad as Zeds are, I would hate the idea of walking robots worse. Perhaps if we try to stay near current technology, where humans still have to give the order before somthing is done, then they would be usefull. Testing dangerous areas with the much-less yummy-than-human robots is a great idea. Especially if they make noise to draw out the zombies.((perhaps that of a crying baby?)) Once the ROB has them out in the open, then the ZH’s can shoot the ZED’s in their heads. Perfect plan, given some distance and patience…and someone paying attention at the rear…
Kain - ZAC Weapon Consultant on 19 Jun 2008 at 1:13 pm #
I hate to break it to you but I believe that the military is already testing independently controlled robots. I don’t believe that they have mounted weapons on them that the robot controls without a person, but I don’t think it is far off. As for the terminator type robots I agree, the picture for the article is only there because it was the best I could do.
The ones that are being tested though, the one’s independent of human control, I believe are to be transports. Able to move men and supplies. I think it would be nice to get a hold of one of those, supposing fuel is either plentiful or they run on solar, or something easily obtained.
As for zombies attacking the robot, I thinks it is possible for them to go after it, and even try to devour it. I don’t know how much damage they could do, should they try, but a lucky grab could place it out of commission. Which raises the question, do you retrieve a robot, supposing you have one?
“They won’t get me they won’t get me thought they never cease to try
they won’t get me they won’t get me I would rather fight and die
they won’t get me they won’t get me well my friend will they get you?
when they get you when they get you tell me what are you gonna do?”
Dropkick Murphys - The Gauntlet
Dsurion on 19 Jun 2008 at 3:19 pm #
Hmm. While a current generation robot could be very useful when fighting zombies, there are a couple problems one can run into right away:
1. Fuel; the planet is covered in zombies, food is hard to find and now you have a robot to provide for as well. If it uses electricity, the grid isn’t going to be reliable if it’s even up. Gasoline and batteries (ha!)would probably be harder to find than fresh ammo. Even if one were some kind of Mcguyver-esque genius and managed to cobble together a steam powered robot, it still needs dry wood and water, both of which would be far more useful to a group of survivors. Solar power on the other hand is plentiful (during the day), easy to get (during the day), and there’s no real competition for it. Probably your best bet should a robot require power, but it leads right into the next problem…
2. Maintanence; so you have your shiny new robot, solar powered of course, and now you need to modify its programming. Hmm…where’d I put that computer? Should you somehow manage to obtain a working computer, with the software to program the robot, I shall point you back to the flickering lights and rolling blackouts. “But wait, I have solar power!” Awesome, now all you need to do is splice a socket into the robot and make sure you dont fry the computer, which isn’t really a problem if you know what you’re doing, but hey, if you didn’t know what you were doing, why have a robot at all?
So your robot is reprogrammed and ready to roll; you send it out into the night or day or nuclear dawn to smash skulls…whatever. Eight hours later it comes back covered in zombie sludge, missing its left arm and actuator, out of ammo, it has a cracked solar panel and its targeting optics are 5.62 degrees left of center. Dammit. The robots we have running around now aren’t particularly durable but they get the job done, mostly because nothing is actively trying to smash them. Most of that damage can be fixed, but it will be cumulative; after a few weeks of zombies trying to turn it into a big crushed beer can and several dozen layers of duct tape, it will most likely either not return or become irreparable.
At this point, you might be wondering “why would the zombies try to smash it? It isn’t flesh so why bother?” Its simple really…zombies are attracted to noise (apparently) and nothing makes more noise in a deserted area than a robot scrambling around hunting zombies. Noise=human=brains, and whether or not there’s an actual person nearby becomes irrelevant once the “feeding frenzy” starts. There is an upside however. Zombies following the robot means it can kill more of them, or it could act as the perfect distraction for a rooftop killing spree, or it could be the perfect cover for a quick retreat. Really though, if you just want the robot as a distraction, just grab a R/C car and go Tremors on the zombies.
3. Mobility; assuming you’re a well-prepared survivor, you have all the essentials that need to be carried around. Now add the robot, spare parts, specialized tools if needed, programming implement if needed, extra ammunition if needed, fuel if needed and suddenly this robot is not giong anywhere anytime soon, like when zombies knock your door down in the next 162 seconds. Since you’re obviously prepared and know what you’re doing, that won’t happen, but assuming it does, you either ditch the robot and run like hell, switch the thing on THEN run like hell, or switch it on and stand fast. This assumes that the robot is a weapon platform and not a Roomba, which you could take with you. Nevertheless, the kind of mobility one would need against a zombie outbreak is not conducive to keeping and maintaining a robot.
All of that stuff can happen now, without zombies and with other people working on the robot as well. What have I not thought of that might plague a person working alone on a robot in less than ideal conditions? Sleep deprivation? Zombie stress? Disease and vermin? Who knows for sure, but I do know this: building and/or maintaining a robot with even a modicum of intelligence is a huge pain in the ass, and I have all the necessary tools at my fingertips. My opinion on using robots against zombies comes in two flavors:
Single person or offensive group: never gonna happen, not on your best day so don’t even think about it.
Defensive group: if they have a very strong position with adequate facilites and enough brainpower to work a robot, I don’t see why one could not be used effectively. However, were I in such a position, R/C with a camera would be a much better choice.
shottejo on 20 Jun 2008 at 7:52 am #
I guess the real question is how the word “robot” is defined.
I could forsee a simple mechanical device with a stable base and spinning blunt rotors dropped into a hot zone and, once in place, it begins to emit a loud noise. This would be a very effective and low-risk zombie killer. However, I do not think it would qualify as a “robot” in the common sense of the word….
So, I think you need to define your terms before a proper analysis can begin.
kingofthesheep on 22 Jun 2008 at 10:03 am #
There are actually several robot weapons platforms in existence already and some in service in Iraq helping soldiers, but these are all controlled by soldiers I found an interesting article about one of them that may be released to iraq soon for combat trials. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/19/robot-gun-weapon.html
I also read about a few experimental robots created for DARPA and other private organizations that have basic levels of autonomoucys (they can recognize good and bad target to shoot at). Its kind of scary, but given enough time to prepare maybe robots might have a significant role in the war against the zombies.
Kasper on 25 Jun 2008 at 4:40 am #
In fact, the Phalanx CIWS is fully automated. It’s a missile response system bolted onto warships, so why not? A system like it is used on land, also as a missile response.
The SWORDS TALON brand are land based, mobile war-bots, so far their target recognition systems are not too advanced, causing them to shoot at painted human outlines as well as other humanoid shapes. Funding for this particular model has ceased, but a successor is in the works. Also comes remote-controlled.
For transport, search the web for the BigDog. (Or go here if you trust me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww).
It can carry 150 pounds of material, and is hard to knock over. Neither of those two statements are true for me, so it would be useful to have one.
Since it’s meant for transporting stuff over fairly long distance in rough terrain, I’ll assume the batteries must have a decent life-time.
Luciano on 17 Jul 2008 at 7:20 pm #
1ºThey can’t get infected.GOD
2ºIf there zombie to fight,some people have die.BAD
3ºWho is going to make robots to fight zombies?Now one is going to make that proyect. All the viruses have arrived whitout know it.VERY BAD
instruisto on 21 Jul 2008 at 3:46 am #
And when the robots rise up, will you ladies reanimate some zombies to save you? You sicken me, crouching behind your high-tech toys. YOUR GREAT-GRANDFATHERS HANDLED THIS MENACE BEFORE GUNPOWDER WAS INVENTED. READ A HISTORY BOOK!!! What has this generation come to? Maybe it deserves to be consumed by the living dead or ruled by robots. Be a man, handle your own undead problems yourself.
Zombiebane on 22 Jul 2008 at 6:47 pm #
Well, I suppose to fully answer you question I would personally need to consider the following:
Can the ‘Robots’ think? Are they capable of sophisticated thought, decisions or action? If yes then my answer is no, I would not utilize Machines to eliminate a Zombie threat. All it takes is one ‘Robot’ to decide that Zombies, and not humans are a higher form of life. That we are the parasites. If this happens then we are totally screwed. The Human race cannot fight Machines AND Zombies.
However, if they cannot think but are programmed to target Zombies then yes, they can be safely utilized. Mounted turrets which fire at movement combined with a sensor which stops it from firing at movement with a heat signature which matches that of a Human. These type of ‘Robots’ could, if used effectively, could be the saviors of the species.
Now, how are the Machines to be manufactured? Designed? Or even delivered to the Survivalists holed up around the globe for that matter? Well there are a few relatively simple solutions to that question as well. A simple ‘Robot’ should be easy to cannabilize out of already common technologies which can be found in shopping centers, homes or vehicles. A motion sensor from a light fixture, for example. If you can build your own ‘Robot’ go for it, as soon as you can.
Perhaps something to be considered even over Machines is a Human Operated Exosuit. Something reminiscent of the one in Aliens or the Starcraft ‘Goliath’. Although these are fictional works the suit designs could come in handy one day when the tides turn against the Undead.
I think thats all for now.
\,,/_
Krash on 23 Jul 2008 at 5:39 pm #
Ummm, there is an awesome comic that covers this topic. “Robots Vs. Zombies” by award wining team Chris Ryall and Ashely Wood. Check it out and enjoy.
Emu on 28 Jul 2008 at 5:54 pm #
(Whether or not this has been mentioned I am unaware.)
Zombies certainly have the ability to swarm a machine and possibly dismantle, but that seems like the only downside. Machines could be programmed to:
1. Use projectile weapons with extreme accuracy.
2. Fight to the last against an army of undead.
3. Hold a position from being overtaken.
4. Tear a path through a large group of undead with complete disregard for personal safety.
5. Defend any survivors.
6. Use makeshift weapons.
7. Kill an infected person without possibly fatal hesitation.
If one could ultimately program a machine with all these settings (and perhaps a few more i am forgetting), then machines would be a great advantage to all those defending hemselves from the zombie onslaught.
NoxTerran on 30 Jul 2008 at 2:28 pm #
actually i feel that the nano technology could be of use, bascally a self replicating, unkillable man made virus. program them to go after solumns virus and nothing else, it wont CURE the undead, but it will destroy them, no virus in brain, means no control of external parts, means just corpse, not zombie
Slayre on 16 Aug 2008 at 1:51 am #
well… this is a viable option. i Mean,if the zombies chomp the living, its not really going to do much to a machine. The zombies sense the living like DBZ (i think). They sense the aura of the living. a Machine ain’t living,nor dead. the machine could smack a zombie,and the zombie wouldn’t know what hit him! literally. But what about an Iron Man sort of armor, worn by a person? would that be a any good?
another mike on 20 Aug 2008 at 11:14 pm #
Have you considered UAVs? A DIY Drone equipped with a simple autopilot and camera can be built for a couple hundred dollars. You spent that much on firearms.
You can monitor approaching zed groups and scout out terrain along your route. A major force multiplier that can decide whether you get the drop on Zeke or he gets the chomp on you.
the other, other mike on 16 Oct 2008 at 11:16 am #
Military robots are in the field making a world of difference, but most hometown armories aren’t going to have anything bigger than a UAV. Large scale use of robots won’t happen until a much later stage in an outbreak. An RC car with a camera or IED are probably easier for most people to set up, and for the few who are more capable with their electronic toys, and have some scrap laying around, a battle bot style fighting machine might be a good idea. no ammo and no personal risk if it gets overwhelmed.
Dreamornaut on 17 Oct 2008 at 2:51 am #
I think it should be remembered that even now a fully autonimous robot still will be functioning within extremely narrow peramiters. It’s not the first time this has been done, there was an attempt in the early 90’s to make a fully autominous battlefield robot, but the technology just wasn’t there and it flopped during testing. The best way to put it is what Michio Kaku said in 2057 about the intelligence capabilities of robots being, “about the intelligence of a cockroach. A really dumb cockroach. I mean a really, really dumb cockroach.” At least that’s close to what he said without looking it up. There might not be much that comes of it.
Someguy on 22 Oct 2008 at 11:46 pm #
It’s simple really. The machines could be outfitted withFLIR Infrared Thermal
Imaging Cameras. Since zombies are dead, they would have no heartbeat, and thus
no body heat. That’s how machines would tell the difference. Of course, the recently
turned could still pose a threat for about 30 minutes or so, giving the body time to
cool down enough to register on a pre-programmed threat scale.
Nice idea bringing up the bots’.