Robotic Revolution Unleashed: Insights from the MWI Podcast
A Glimpse into the Future of Warfare: An Interview with August Cole, Co-Author of "Burn-In"
"Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution" by August Cole and Peter Singer is a speculative fiction thriller that delves into the near-future impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on war and security.
The novel, which uses fiction to illuminate the darkest corners of the world soon to come, follows an FBI agent pursuing a new kind of terrorist in Washington, DC. It offers a vivid, plausible picture of how autonomous machines, AI, and robotics could reshape battlefields and intelligence operations.
In an engaging conversation, August Cole, the co-author of the book, discusses the plot and characters of "Burn-In". He emphasizes the book's purpose as a tool to make tangible the challenges, risks, and transformations that robotics and AI pose for future warfare.
August also shares his view of fiction as a means to understand the future, stating that the technologies in the book's plot are already emerging or exist in some form. He explains that the book leverages a fictional spy thriller framework to provide an accessible yet nuanced examination of the future of war, blending expert insight with narrative engagement.
The conversation with August Cole can be listened to below. The book, which features hundreds of footnotes, is a testament to the authors' commitment to grounding their speculative fiction in real-world research.
If you're interested in keeping up with insights on the future of war, you can subscribe to the MWI Podcast on various platforms including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favourite podcast app. The episode was originally recorded and released in 2020, and the image credit for the episode is John F. Williams, US Navy. The episode can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, emailed, or printed.
With "Burn-In", Cole and Singer have crafted a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also educates, offering readers a glimpse into the complex ethical and strategic dimensions of the real robotic revolution.
Technology and artificial-intelligence play pivotal roles in shaping the battlefields and intelligence operations depicted in "Burn-In", a novel by August Cole and Peter Singer. The book, through its vivid portrayal of autonomous machines and AI, insightfully illustrates the potential transformations that robotics and AI may bring to future warfare.
