Devices, systems, and methods for transitioning between local or remote operating modes and a safety mode

A weapon platform comprising:

• a cradle having a shape and size to receive and secure a weapon;
• a local operator sensor to sense when an operator is locally controlling the weapon mounted in the cradle, the local operator sensor not being part of a trigger mechanism to fire the weapon mounted in the cradle;
• safety equipment to selectively lock a pointing direction of the weapon and secure the weapon from firing;
• and
• a controller to:
• cause the weapon mounted in the cradle to selectively operate in different operating modes, and
• when the weapon is operating in an operating mode in which the weapon is aimed and fired by a local operator, in response to receiving an indication from the local operator sensor indicating that the local operator is not locally controlling the weapon mounted in the cradle, send one or more control signals to the safety equipment to lock the pointing direction of the weapon and secure the weapon from firing.