Sure, robots might kill us. They also could rescue us from land mines, natural disasters and collapsing buildings

As debate builds over the anticipated arrival of lethal autonomous robots, a growing number of robotic applications are being directed at enhancing humans’ existence and saving their lives

Aerial drones can be used to locate disaster survivors – or to pepper-spray protestors. Their earthbound robotic cousins can help rescue victims of events like a building’s collapse – or make fresh victims on the battlefield.

Robots’ duality – their ability to help or harm people – isn’t lost on their evangelists. Debates are building over the anticipated arrival of lethal autonomous robots, for example, and unmanned armed vehicles.

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