Boston Dynamics Employees Oppose $1.3 Million ICE Robot Deal
Boston Dynamics employees petitioned company leaders to stop the sale of Spot robots to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to WBUR. The $1.3 million contract covers four dog like robots and other Spot technology.
The petition received about 300 signatures, although the company said nearly half were submitted anonymously. Boston Dynamics employs more than 1,500 people. Employees said the deal could prompt staff departures and discourage potential hires.
Interim CEO Amanda McMaster told employees the company will proceed with the sale. Boston Dynamics said the robots are being sold to ICE's Homeland Security Investigations unit, which focuses mainly on transnational crime rather than removal operations. The company also said its sales terms prohibit customers from weaponizing its robots or using them for harm or intimidation.
We hope you enjoyed this article
Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Robotics Brief or Daily AI Brief.
Also, consider following us on social media:
More from Robotics
Oct 24 Formic Raises $50 Million to Expand Factory Robotics Platform Oct 23 Kabam Robotics to Close After Six Years Oct 23 Unitree Develops AI System for Robots to Improve Their Performance Oct 22 Noetix Robotics Files Confidentially for Hong Kong IPO Oct 22 Warp Sciences Raises $215 Million to Automate Drug Discovery LabsRobotics Brief
Weekly coverage of AI-driven robotics advances in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and robotic systems.
Industry analysis
2025 Global Business Services Agenda: Gen AI Takes Center Stage
This industry analysis by The Hackett Group explores the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on global business services (GBS) in 2025. The study highlights the shift from exploration to acceleration of Gen AI initiatives, with 89% of executives advancing these projects to improve customer satisfaction, innovate products, and reduce costs. The report also discusses the challenges and strategies for successful Gen AI adoption, emphasizing the need for a technology-enabled operating model and the importance of reskilling the workforce.
Read moreYou may also like
Kabam Robotics to Close After Six Years
US Bans DeepSeek From Civilian Government Systems
Anthropic Seeks Rehearing in Pentagon Blacklisting Case
Carbon Robotics Cuts Jobs Across US and International Teams
Disney Plans $180 Million Package for Character.AI Hires
Daily AI Brief: the AI news that matters, in your inbox.