Boston Dynamics Promises Never To Weaponize Its Robots

When it comes to general-purpose robots, Boston Dynamics and several other top robotics firms, like Unitree in China, have made a commitment never to turn their innovations into weapons. The vow was made today after more videos and demonstrations emerged demonstrating how simple it is to arm the quadruped “robot dogs” that Boston Dynamics pioneered with weapons like firearms and rocket launchers.

The companies, which also include bipedal delivery robot manufacturer Agility Robotics, said, “We now feel renewed urgency in light of the increasing public concern in recent months caused by a small number of people who have visibly publicised their makeshift efforts to weaponize commercially available robots.”

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An SMG that can be fired remotely was installed onto one of these robot dogs earlier this year in a video. Since then, other YouTubers have followed suit, proving that it is simple to weaponize the technology, but the outcomes vary. In the meantime, a Russian business even outfitted a robot dog with a rocket launcher.

Boston Dynamics and its competitors are now making an effort to denounce the technique, claiming it poses a risk of injury and is unethical. The firms claimed that “weaponized applications of these newly powerful robots will also erode public confidence in the technology in ways that damage the immense benefits they will bring to society.” “For these reasons, we oppose the weaponization of our general-purpose, advanced-mobility robots.”

The vow also shows that businesses want to scrutinise everybody who purchases their robot technologies. The firms stated in the vow that they would “where possible, carefully assess our clients’ planned applications to avoid potential weaponization.” But if the goods can be easily purchased online, that might be easier said than done.

The Go1 robot dog from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics has been the main tool used in impromptu attempts to weaponize the robots. Currently, you may purchase one online for $2,700 via Unitree’s website or use a third-party retailer like Aliexpress.

A request for comment from Unitree did not receive a prompt response. Others, like Boston Dynamics, have sold access to their robots instead through mass-market e-commerce, using a dedicated sales force. Customers are prohibited from using the company’s robots as “weapons or to enable weapons, or to damage or threaten any person or animal,” according to the terms and conditions(Opens in a new window).