Debate on Killer Robots Rages , as Robotics Companies Partner , with Police and Military.<br />TechCrunch reports that <br />the concept of 'killer robots' has leaped <br />from the pages of science fiction to reality. .<br />The topic is being debated as <br />the possibility of robots joining <br />the ranks of domestic law enforcement.<br />In 2019, Boston Dynamics raised red flags when it <br />showcased its Spot robot deployed alongside <br />Massachusetts State Police in training exercises.<br />While the robots in the drills were unarmed, the use <br />of robots in a situation where lives are at risk <br />was enough to prompt an inquiry by the ACLU.<br />In 2020, a similar situation arose in New York, <br />which saw a partnership between <br />the NYPD and Boston Dynamics.<br />In 2020, a similar situation arose in New York, <br />which saw a partnership between <br />the NYPD and Boston Dynamics.<br />Boston Dynamics has vehemently opposed <br />the weaponization of robots, signing an open <br />letter with with several other leading robotics firms.<br />Boston Dynamics has vehemently opposed <br />the weaponization of robots, signing an open <br />letter with with several other leading robotics firms.<br />We believe that adding weapons to robots <br />that are remotely or autonomously operated, <br />widely available to the public, and capable <br />of navigating to previously inaccessible <br />locations where people live and work, raises <br />new risks of harm and serious ethical issues. , Open letter on the weaponization of robots, via TechCrunch.<br />Weaponized applications of these <br />newly-capable robots will also harm <br />public trust in the technology in ways <br />that damage the tremendous benefits <br />they will bring to society, Open letter on the weaponization of robots, via TechCrunch.<br />According to TechCrunch, the open letter <br />was largely seen as a response to Ghost Robotics' <br />partnership with the U.S. military.
