Digital Disruption
‘Smart’ guns and the dangers of trigger-happy technology
Sniping skills are being digitised with 'precision guided' weapons
A few weeks ago, some old Silicon Valley hands suggested I take a look at a weapons company called TrackingPoint. I duly perused its website, not knowing what to expect, and quickly found myself both amazed and chilled. This tiny tech business based in Texas sells “precision-guided” weapons that “enable anyone to accurately hit targets at ranges from 100 yards up to one mile in some cases”. More specifically, these guns are fitted with devices that use laser beams, sensors and computers to track targets and hit them in almost any conditions, irrespective of shooting skill. They are so effective that there are videos circulating online that depict a blind military veteran hunting with a gun, and hitting the target; company officials say he was guided by a friend with a computing device. Until recently, it was assumed that the job of a sniper or a hunter was a human one, requiring fantastic eyesight, great mental and physical discipline and lone-wolf patience. Just think of the images...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.