[teddyh]

It was by Stanisław Lem; It’s called The First Sally; or The Trap of Gargantius

[kwhitefoot]

Lem wrote some wonderfully whimsical stories; all the more surprising when you consider the times and place in which he wrote.

For another perspective on autonomous drones read Robert Sheckley's Watchbird.

[egor83]

Yes, this one exactly - thanks!