Robot Uprising by 2035? Europol Warns of Bot Bashing

Europol has outlined a plausible future scenario by 2035 where clashes between humans and robots could emerge across Europe. The agency's report suggests robots will become ubiquitous, serving in roles from delivery to domestic cleaning. This widespread adoption may lead to social friction, with "displaced workers" potentially resorting to "bot bashing" in disadvantaged urban areas.

The anticipated integration of robots into daily life also raises concerns about security. Europol highlights the risk of cybercriminals hacking AI-driven robots for illicit activities. Additionally, the report cautions that terrorists might leverage AI-equipped drones to target critical infrastructure such as power and water systems.

To address these potential threats, Europol suggests law enforcement may require specialized equipment like "robo freezer guns" and "nano net grenades." While some experts deem this scenario unrealistic in the near term, Europol emphasizes the report's purpose is to anticipate future challenges and inform present-day decision-making.