Artificial intelligence (AI) expert Professor Patrick Glauner, who is the Coordinator of the new International Finance Forum (IFF) AI Committee, addressed a panel at this week's Responsible AI in the Military domain Summit (REAIMSummit) in Seoul, South Korea, along with Dr. Andreas Leupold and Dr. Nathan Wood.

The session demonstrated the dangers of overregulation of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) and offered a viable alternative to heavy-handed governance. Since there continues to be no broad international consensus on how best to handle AWS, Glauner and his colleagues triggered a fruitful debate with the audience by propounding an unconventional approach that questions myths and bridges the gap toward product liability.

The rapidity of AI advancements renders regulation of AWS crucial, he states. Glauner et al. grappled with such issues as: Are additional regulations needed for military AI (and if so, which rules)? What tools ensure AWS compliance with international humanitarian law? How do burdens of proof shape the AWS debates?

This session confronted these questions and opposed European Union AI Act-style overregulation for AWS and proposed better risk management strategies. The team also demonstrated that AI systems can be safe and transparent with proper methodology and challenged the sufficiency of the ‘human in the loop’ approach, and instead proposed to apply product liability principles to ensure AWS reflect the latest science and technology. The session analyzed how shifting the burden of proof in AWS debates impacts the discourse, offering insights for policymakers, military professionals, and academics. By the end, participants understood the risks of military AI and regulatory strategies, equipping them to navigate these complex issues more effectively.

Patrick Glauner is a full professor of AI at Germany’s Deggendorf Institute of Technology. He runs his own AI consulting firm, skyrocket.ai. He previously worked at CERN - the European Organization for Nuclear Research - and headed the corporate AI competence center at Germany-based packaging and bottling machine manufacturer Krones Group and, as an expert witness, has advised the parliaments of France, Germany, and Luxembourg on AI. He ranked among CDO Magazine’s Leading Academic Data Leaders in 2022.

The government of South Korea hosted the second summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain: REAIM 2024. All stakeholders were invited to discuss the advantages, applications, and risks related to the military use of AI. The event was held on September 9 and 10, 2024 in Seoul. In close collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea has been glad to invite foreign ministers and other government delegates, along with representatives from think tanks, non-governmental organizations, civil societal organizations, and the private sector.