Boston Dynamics is defending its work with the Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations as employees raise concerns about the company’s contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The company says its Spot robot is not permitted to be used as a weapon or to injure or intimidate people, and that it has no recorded instances of customers violating those terms. Employees, however, warn that the ICE relationship could make Boston Dynamics a less attractive employer as it expands its robotics operations.
Boston Dynamics cites restrictions on Spot’s use
Mr. McMaster also said that the company’s terms of service for the sale of Spot robots prohibit the “intentional use of the product to injure or intimidate people or animals, or to use it as a weapon or to effect any kind of weapon.” Boston Dynamics previously signed an open letter opposing the weaponization of “high-performance general-purpose robots.”
A Boston Dynamics spokesperson told Ars that the company has “worked productively” with the Department of Homeland Security for many years and that Homeland Security Investigations complies with the company’s terms of sale.
The robotics company also said it would “take immediate action” if customers misused Spot. Boston Dynamics said it works with the Department of Homeland Security and other “public safety agencies” and has “no instances where customers have violated these Terms of Service.”
“This includes specific actions such as voiding warranties, refusing all future software updates, terminating the license, taking appropriate legal action available to us, and possibly never selling to that customer again,” a Boston Dynamics spokesperson said.
Concerns about the future workforce
The employee backlash over Boston Dynamics’ ICE contract comes as the company develops a new advanced robotics and AI facility in Waltham, Massachusetts, near its headquarters. According to a company press release, the $100 million project includes the creation of 1,250 new jobs by 2033.
A Boston Dynamics spokesperson described the ICE contract as a “complex and emotive topic for many people, including some of our employees.” The spokesperson added, “As our company continues to grow rapidly, we continue to welcome a highly diverse group of employees with perspectives from all sides of the social and political spectrum.”
As Boston Dynamics increases its production capacity and deploys more robots, including Spot and Atlas, employees who signed the petition said the company’s relationship with ICE could affect hiring and retention.
“We fear the loss of teammates as a result of this decision and are concerned about the risks this decision creates in achieving our company’s common goals,” the petition reads. “This decision makes Boston Dynamics a less attractive employer. As we grow, it will become more difficult to build the team we need.”
Source: arstechnica.com
