England: The Internet of Things

IOT World Forum 2017 - London, UK

When I began looking for ways in which England is utilizing the Internet of Things, I came across a conference that took place in London. This conference focuses solely on the Internet of Things, and how these "things" can help us create better and more practical ways of implementing different hardware and infrastructures. This conference looked at how the Internet of Things could positively affect the medical field, urban grids, and manufacturing. A large concern that was addressed was the importance of privacy, and keeping consumer data confidential.

Because the Internet of Things seeks to provide easier ways for us to accomplish tasks, its technologies inevitable require a bit more trust than they had done before. The purpose of this conference that took place in London was to look for ways to build that trust within the consumer population, so they are more likely to adopt a few items that fall into the Internet of Things categories.

The Internet of Things: Data Warfare
So, what does all of that mean within the context of my blog? Well, many experts believe that the next military move will be wuthin the technological, software realm. Data Warfare is a new idea that has only recently emerged, and defines as a way of conducting war over networks by stealing or looking at secret, sensitive consumer and civilian information. In essence, data warfare is the fear that the creators of the International IOT Conference that I spoke about before have been trying to dispell through conversation. I do believe that data warfare is the next new frontier of military technology, because if valuable man-power and countless dollars did not have to be spent on the ground, why wouldn't some states seek to switch over to using networks?

This picture depicts the possible outcome of a war fought over data. Imagine, instead of say a full on nuclear attack, an enemy country simply steals private information from some of our military satellite. This technique could prove to be even more damaging to our infrastructure than a physical military attack.

Sources
https://internetofbusiness.com/us-army-iot-warfare/
http://iotinternetofthingsconference.com/

Military Technology in the Media: Fact or Fiction?

Could Robot soldiers actually become a reality? 

In this science fiction film, a futuristic city depicts the work of a mad scientist who creates a robotic woman in the form of Maria, another character. Although the science behind this part in the film may have not been very thought out, there has been a push within the modern scientific community to create sentient, robotic beings. Take a look at the 1927 version of robotic science. Another movie, the trailer posted below the older one, tells about a military robot that short circuits and causes mayhem around a town.

As I stated before, this concept of robotic creations is not entirely fiction at all. Take a look at this very real prototype of a humanoid robot. It's a bit creepy to me, but it's also interesting to see just how far we have come in the field of androids. These androids could possible be used in battle as a way to limit civilian casualties, and sustain life for a little longer. Robots could also be used as a sort of test subject for new military weapons.

It is even believed that military robots could one day replace service dogs in battlefield. I was especially happy to know this, because one of the things that always breaks my heart is hearing about dogs dying in service. These new animal-like robots, like the one down below, could replace real animals in the field while still providing companionship for soldiers. They are a bit unsettling to watch, and they are still in the first phases of their development, but it does make me wonder about the many other possibilities for these robot companions.

Sources:
http://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/8-science-fiction-movies-that-accurately-predicted-future-technologies.html/?a=viewall

Cost of Military Technology

What are the most expensive forms of military technology? 

1. P-8A Poseidon - $33 Billion

This plane began as a surveillance plan, and turned into a multi-use facility. Missles, mines, torpedoes, and the latest sensors can be found on this plane.

2. CVN-78 Class Aircraft Carrier - $9.8 Billion

3. Virginia Class Submarine - $83.7 Billion

"The Virginia Class subs are among the most useful strategic tools in the DOD arsenal.  These nuclear submarines can carry 38 different weapons, including Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, mines and torpedoes. While eight are currently in operation, the Department of Defense has 30 of these $2.5 billion mobile undersea missile platforms budgeted." - Blaze.com


All of that being said, our military obviously spends an enormous amount of money on technology. Now, whether or not that money could be better spent in another location is up for debate. The video below may begin a dialogue within your head, and help you figure out exactly where, and how, your tax money is being spent. 

Sources
http://www.theblaze.com/news/2012/01/13/here-are-five-of-the-most-expensive-military-weapons-on-earth/