Ground Control Robotics, a startup based in Atlanta, has plans for giant robotic centipedes that could change how agriculture works. These robotic bugs aim to optimize crop management by potentially reducing the need for chemical weed control. However, the idea has raised concerns about the implications of having fields filled with these robotic insects, reminiscent of a dystopian future as depicted in games like Horizon Zero Dawn.

Goldman explained the rationale behind the centipede-like design: “We want to send the robot as close to the crops as possible, and we don’t want a bigger, clunkier machine to destroy those fields.” This design could navigate complex terrains without much sensing required due to its multitude of legs, which are crucial for movement in challenging agricultural settings.