DARPA Seeks App Developers For War App Store

MrSeb writes "DARPA has a problem on its hands: Satellites, unmanned drones (UAVs), and myriad other worldwide sensors are now so ubiquitous and omnipotent that the Department of Defense (DOD) doesn't actually know how to make the best use of them. In other words, the hardware is there, but the software isn't. To tackle this particularly tricky issue, DARPA is looking for smartphone app developers to help build 'sophisticated, adaptive applications.' Yes, DARPA wants to give smartphone developers access to the DOD's fleet of Hellfire missile-equipped UAVs. Instead of using a single, remote pilot to fly just one UAV, DARPA imagines 'an app [...] that allows a swarm of small deployed UAVs to be controlled as a single unit (a hive [mind] so to speak).' DARPA also wants app developers to help out with easy-to-use app interfaces, novel uses of smartphone-like sensors (accelerometers, cameras, gyros) — and ultimately, it wants to make a War Market where a soldier can simply log in with his DOD-issued smartphone or tablet and download Angry UAVs, Nuke Ninja, and other battlefield apps."

Interesting problem

[LucidBeast]

but, somehow I wouldn't feel good when my code worked in this case

Re:Interesting problem

[masternerdguy]

Imagine how good you'll feel when your code doesn't work and launches a cruise missile at Houston.

Re:Interesting problem

[lightknight]

Agreed. While the prospect of various enemies overrunning my country is not lost on me, my analytical skills are pointing to a bigger threat within my country than without: namely that the military / security people have gone AWOL, and constitute a bigger threat to the populace than their named greatest enemies.

I don't like the police getting TANKS for internal use, Special Weapons and Tactics for unpaid parking tickets, and Intelligence Agencies running operations inside the country. Writing programs for these people sounds like handing people the very gun they will shoot me with. I've seen enough idealism and irony with the Thin Thread program, where an aloof mathematician couldn't conceive of the possibility of his program being used against the general populace for some below-board practices.

We'll talk about getting your soldiers some nice apps when I stop feeling ashamed about discussing my country with citizens from its allies.

*shakes head*

Something like that...

Re:What a worthy cause

[Frangible]

As you use DARPA's "amoral" creations like GPS, the internet, and Siri. Remember, every time you use satellite navigation, you support the military-industrial complex! Of course, you can also use GLONASS now simultaneously with the same receiver (on newer models), so you can support the American and Russian military-industrial complexes at the same time. Where does THAT bumper sticker go on your Prius?

Re:Great,

[c0lo]

what could possibly go wrong!

TFS:

...'sophisticated, adaptive applications.'... that allows a swarm of small deployed UAVs to be controlled...with easy-to-use app interfaces

Requirements lead to the need of a lot of "intelligence" be moved inside the app.

Meaning:
1. DARPA is scrapping the barrel for intelligent human operators (to pilot the UAV-es)
2. DARPA is naive enough to trust complex software be bug free and secure
3. both of the above

A bonus if the DARPA's choice for the OS platform is MS Windows.

A huge bonus if the resulted app is so sophisticated and easy-to-use that it can be operated directly by GWB, Obama, Michelle Bachman or... hang on... Vermin Supreme of Rockport, Mass. - without UAV-jockeys in between.

Programmer ethics

[Okian Warrior]

If you're worried about the ethics of doing this, here are some suggestions to help you cope:

• My family comes first
• I'm not responsible for how things are used
• I'm not the only one on this project
• If I don't do it, someone else will
• One person won't have an effect
• Only the good guys will use them
• They'll never be used on innocent civilians
• They'll never be used on Americans
• This will protect my country and make it strong
• I trust my government

Pick one or more that helps ease your mind.

Re:Interesting problem

[cavreader]

The vast majority of technology today was developed by the military. Looking down the wrong end of a gun tends motivate research and innovation. The Internet started as a DARPA project. Computer technology, rockets, satellites, nuclear based applications, wireless communication systems, and EM manipulation benefit from the military. The miltary is also invested in creating alternative energy technology. There are military bases in Afghanistan that are using solar power in their bases. Maintaining reliable energy is a major vulnerability for any military. So a great deal of the military budget is used for developing or enhancing new technologies. The military R&D efforts also provide a lot of domestic civilian jobs. The government does not rely on China or any other foreign country to produce their weapon systems. If the military just stops fucking around in the middle east it would lower the operational costs and even more money could be directed towards R&D.

Re:Interesting problem

[lightknight]

It's a sad commentary on our handling of various situations in this world such that we require such a large investment in military expenditures to keep our country safe. I'm not saying that we need to be that most popular guy / girl in our worldwide high-school, nor that we need to sacrifice our principles; what I'm saying is that we seem to be accumulating more enemies with greater strengths than warrants common sense.

A fool fights a war on two fronts, the heir to the kingdom of fools fights a war on twelve fronts.

Re:Programmer ethics

[keepper]

Oh nice.. another ( i'm hollier than though morality ) comment

Brought to you by(tm).... the internet... a DARPA/(Military industrial complex) sponsored project....
Made possible by (tm).. Xray litography... another child of a military sponsored project...

I can keep going. :)

go with your BS somewhere else..

Re:Interesting problem

[LucidBeast]

Of course not. Thought of killing people with swarming drones turns me off no matter how justified the cause.