Boston Dynamics' robocop and other similar weaponized machines will not be created, confirmed by the American robotics company.
(Photo : Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Liberty Science Center)
Award recipient SpotMini Boston Dynamics Marc Raibert's dog-like robot comes up stage during Genius Gala 6.0 at Liberty Science Center on May 5, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
For the past few years, Boston Dynamics has been making headlines because of its advanced machines.
The tech company became popular because most of its robots can do things that humans and other living beings also do.
These include running, lifting objects, climbing, etc. Spot is a dog-like robot that can run and walk efficiently among its most well-known machines.
Because of its machines, some fans expect Boston Dynamics to create its own robocop and other robots that can be used for defense.
But, the robotics firm announced that this would not happen.
No More Boston Dynamics Robocop?
According to Gizmodo's latest report, Boston Dynamics and other robotics manufacturers promised that they would not produce or develop weaponized machines.
(Photo : Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
New York City Police Officer Paul Dean gets a handshake from a person dressed as "RoboCop" outside the Toy Fair on 5th Ave 13 February in New York. A number of action figures were on the street to mark the opening of the fair.
This was confirmed in an open letter signed by Boston Dynamics, Unitree, Open Robotics, Clearpath Robotics, MWBotics, as well as Agility Robotics.
"Untrustworthy people could use them to invade civil rights or to threaten, harm, or intimidate others. One area of particular concern is weaponization," they explained.
On the other hand, they also explained that they would review customers' intended applications for their machines whenever possible.
Boston Dynamics added that they would work on features that can prevent risks of misuse so that their robots will not fall into the wrong hands.
Weaponization Not Supported
Boston Dynamics and the five robotics firms clarified that they don't support the weaponization of their general-purpose machines.
They added that even their software models would not be used for violence and other harmful activities.
Since many people are still concerned even with their commitment, the machine developers asked for help from policymakers to promote the safe use of their robots.
In other stories, a bipedal robot established a new Guinness World Record for the 100-meter sprint.
Meanwhile, thousands of Tesla humanoid robots are expected to roll out.
For more news updates about Boston Dynamics and other robotics topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: Robot Dogs: 'Pack Assistants' Now Equipped With Surveillance Technology But What's the Concern?
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by Griffin Davis
