Unknown: Killer Robots
By JK Sooja, Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
![](/components/src/csm_components/review/review_view_summary/images/reviewer-modal.png)
Sobering look at new frontier of AI and weaponized robotics.
![Unknown: Killer Robots movie poster: Close-up of a camera lens or robot eye with red laser dot in the middle](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_2_3_small/public/product-images/csm-movie/unknown-killer-robots.jpg)
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Unknown: Killer Robots
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In UNKNOWN: KILLER ROBOTS, many people working in artificial intelligence and robotics fields speak about the power and benefits of these technologies. Others speak about the dangers, however, of valuing speed over safety when governments, militaries, and nations race to be at the forefront of these industries.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary offers a terrifying look at how advanced artificial intelligence and robotics have become and how these technologies might drastically change weaponry and war in the future. In many ways, Unknown: Killer Robots signals a call for everyone to be aware of what's going on in terms of what AI and autonomous machines can actually do. For example, machines, robotics, and AI programs can decide how to go about finding a target and can further decide whether or not to strike that target (despite calls for a ban against such technology). Increasingly, the need for a human controller is disappearing, and nowhere is that more felt than in advancements in AI learning for fighter jets. Clearly, the need for human pilots is no longer necessary because AI can pilot fighter jets and win any dogfight with any human easily.
Drone technology, reconnaissance, weapons and bombs, and even chemical weapon warfare are all seeing huge gains in AI integration. But, as the documentary warns, nations, governments, and militaries are far more concerned with being ahead of the pack instead of being concerned about general safety, ethics, and what these technologies might bring about unwittingly. Perhaps most concerning is the paper and work published by Sean Ekins' team that found that it's incredibly easy to generate new kinds of toxic molecules (that lead to chemical weapons like nerve agents such as VX). This is the kind of documentary that everyone should watch -- but also, maybe not everyone, as it might give bad actors new ideas about how to damage and terrify the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in documentaries. What was the most surprisingly violent part of Unknown: Killer Robots? Of all the technology shown, what concerned you the most?
What do you think the world and political leaders should do to protect everyone from the increasing threat of artificial intelligence and robotics weaponry? What about from potential toxic molecules and chemical weapons?
Do you think we should have a worldwide ban or law against machines and robotics being able to make decisions about striking human beings? Why, or why not?
Do you think Sean Ekins and his team were right to publish their findings about being able to so easily create 40,000 toxic molecules? Why, or why not?
Do you think that the dual-use problem should prevent humans from developing better artificial intelligence and robotics? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: July 10, 2023
- Cast: Brandon Tseng , Stacie Pettyjohn , Sean Ekins , Emilia Javorsky
- Director: Jesse Sweet
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: STEM , Robots , Science and Nature
- Run time: 68 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: August 31, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate