Hundreds of employees at the US robotics firm Boston Dynamics signed a petition calling on executives to halt a sale of the company’s robot dogs to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, though company leadership stood by the agreement while stating the robots would not be weaponized.
The Employee Petition Against the ICE Deal
A Department of Homeland Security contract awarded $1.3 million to a Connecticut company named Radeco on September 25 to supply ICE with modified versions of the quadruped robots. Boston Dynamics workers circulated a petition letter containing over 300 signatures—half of them submitted anonymously—to corporate executives in early September, distributing copies to The Boston Globe and WBUR public radio station, as reported by Ars Technica.
The petition expressed deep concern from workers, noting they received distressed messages from loved ones questioning how they could tolerate the association. The petition stated that the risk to Boston Dynamics is far too significant to proceed with the transaction. The signatories identified themselves as staff members who normally take pride in sharing their innovations with the world and pushing the boundaries of robotics.
Details of the Cerberus Robotic Upgrade
The contract involves four Boston Dynamics Spot robots adapted by Radeco under the marketing name Cerberus. Documentation for the contract outlines that the Cerberus units are designed to identify radiation, hazardous gas leaks, and explosive hazards in disaster zones or urban settings, as well as facilitate remote inspection and observation tasks.
A primary feature of the modified robot is an oxygen sensor meant to verify breathable air quality for personnel entering confined areas like tunnels. Additionally, the Cerberus robotic platform includes a camera system featuring thirtyfold zoom, complete 360-degree cameras, and infrared thermal imaging capabilities.
