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Killer robots pose a “threat to humanity”, the world’s biggest gathering of scientists has been told.

Campaigners want Britain to sign a treaty banning them in the same way as land mines.

The call come jut days after Home Secretary Gavin Wil­­liams unveiled plans for un­­­manned swarm drones to “enhance our lethality”.

The UK is among 12 countries opposing a treaty while 28 nations want one.

The Government insists humans will always be in charge of robot weapons.

But campaigners fear new super drones could use human intervention merely to confirm a suggested strike.

(Image: Getty)

Mary Wareham, of Human Rights Watch, said: “The security of the world and future of humanity hinges on achieving a ban on killer robots.”

Autonomous weapons in development include the Samsung sentry gun which reportedly guards the South Korean border.

Reports sug­­gest it identifies targets with voice and visual recognition and decides whether to shoot.

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And China also is investing in weapons with limited hu­­­man control, prompting arms race fears.

On Monday Mr Williamson said Britain’s £7million squadron of drones “capable of confusing and overwhelming enemy air defences” would be ready by the end of this year.

(Image: Publicity Picture)

Campaigners fear this will increase civilian deaths due to the emotional distance between bomber and victim.

Scientists and human rights experts gathered at the Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC to discuss the technology.

Mary Wareham said: “Fully autonomous weapons are one of the worst examples of what can go wrong with artificial intelligence. Once they are out there you cannot control them and they will proliferate.”