Boston Dynamics, ANYbotics, Agility Robotics and other companies promise not to equip their robots with weapons

Leading manufacturers have pledged not to give their robots weapons. A number of major robotics companies published an open letter to this effect on October 6.

Here's What We Know

Boston Dynamics, ANYbotics, Agility Robotics, Clearpath Robotics, Unitree Robotics, and Open Robotics have pledged not to use their robots for military purposes. This restriction will apply to both the robotic devices themselves and the software for them.

According to the manufacturers, the use of robots weapons creates great risks for civilians. In addition, it may cause people's distrust of robotic devices in the consumer segment.

In addition, the companies addressed politicians in an open letter. Manufacturers are asking them to help promote robotics and contribute to eliminating the misuse of robots.

It should be noted that the military of many countries are interested in robotic devices, as they allow them to perform tasks without risk to soldiers. For example, Spain wants a four-legged Q-UGV robot that supports sniper rifles.

The People's Liberation Army of China in early September showed footage of military exercises involving robotic dogs. Also in late summer, Russia unveiled the Go 1 robot with a grenade launcher. But the Chinese company claimed that the device was used without its consent.

Source: Business Wire