[1] Sharkey chairs the International Committee for Robot Arms Control,[2] an NGO that is seeking an International treaty to prohibit the development and use of autonomous robot weapons – weapons that once launched can select human targets and kill them without human intervention.

[citation needed] Previously Sharkey held a number of interdisciplinary research and teaching positions in the US (Yale Computer Science and Stanford Psychology) and the UK (Essex Language and Linguistics, Exeter Computer Science).

In the academic world, Sharkey is best known for his contribution to machine learning and cognitive science with more than 150 scientific articles and books.

Since 2006, Sharkey has written and spoken widely concerning the ethical responsibilities of governments and international organisations in a world where robotics applications are dramatically increasing, both in the military and policing contexts.

[4] He has also written widely on the ethical danger and societal impact of robotics in childcare, elder care, surgery, medicine, transport, and sex.