FutureWeapons Season 1 Episode 6 The Power of Fear
- TVPG
- May 24, 2006
- 43 min
-
(8)
In FutureWeapons season 1 episode 6, titled The Power of Fear, host Richard Machowicz takes a closer look at non-lethal weapons that are designed to disable an opponent without causing permanent harm. The episode begins with a demonstration of the Active Denial System, a weapon that uses electromagnetic radiation to create an intense burning sensation and force people to move away from a certain area.
Machowicz then dives into the history of non-lethal weapons, mentioning the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and pepper spray. He also notes that these weapons have been criticized for causing serious injuries or even death in some cases. As a result, many countries have begun investing in new technologies that are less harmful but just as effective.
Throughout the episode, Machowicz showcases a variety of non-lethal weapons, including a laser dazzler that can blind an opponent temporarily, a shotgun that fires beanbags instead of bullets, and a sticky foam that can glue an individual's arms and legs together.
Machowicz also speaks with researchers who are developing new technologies that are even more advanced. One such technology is a sonic weapon that can make a person feel nauseous or disoriented without causing any physical damage. Another is a device that uses low-frequency sound waves to induce a debilitating sense of fear in individuals.
The episode ends with Machowicz highlighting the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of non-lethal weapons. While they may seem like a more humane option, they can still be harmful, and there are concerns that they could be used to suppress peaceful protests or dissenting voices. As he states, the future of non-lethal weapons is still uncertain, and it will be up to society to decide how and when to use them.