Boston Dynamics employees want to block sale of robot dogs to ICE
US robotics company stands by ICE deal as more than 300 employees warn of risk.
TL;DR
- Over 300 Boston Dynamics employees signed a petition against selling robot dogs to US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The petition cited fears of the robots being used for harmful purposes and damaging the company's reputation.
- Boston Dynamics executives approved the deal, stating the robots would not be weaponized and would primarily be used for detection and inspection.
- The ICE contract involves modified Spot robots, marketed as Cerberus, for tasks like detecting radiation and toxic gas leaks.
- Employees expressed concern that ICE's history of workplace raids and deportations conflicts with the company's ethical principles.
- Boston Dynamics stated that its sale terms prohibit weaponization and intimidation, and that they would take action against misuse.