Tase (Taser drone)

2023: Product Announcement

At the end of January 2023, new information appeared about the Axon project, known for its Taser stun guns, to create armed drones to ensure school safety. It is reported that it is too early to put an end to this initiative.

The idea is to create special drones equipped with a stun gun-paralyzer of non-lethal action and an on-board camera. It is assumed that such drones will patrol schools (or other objects) and, if found, release two darts with thin wires connected to a high-voltage discharge unit. This will neutralize the person who is going to harm others.

Tase (Taser drone)

The system requires the installation of numerous CCTV cameras in school premises, as well as the use of artificial intelligence tools to identify attackers in real time. These circumstances provoked widespread public outcry and objections from many experts, including members of the Axon ethics team itself.

The arguments of the opponents of the project boil down to the fact that deploying the system can turn into total surveillance. Such a complex can theoretically be used in situations that do not pose a threat to the lives of others. The system, if misused, such as AI errors, can pose a risk to students and teachers.

Axon is now reported to be partnering with a number of drone companies. Teachers and administrations of educational institutions are involved in the discussions. The company notes that "school drones" are still just an idea, not a product, and that it is far from practical implementation of the project. But judging by the statements of Axon, the initiative has not yet died.^[1]

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