BOSTON — Boston Dynamics, a leader in robotics innovation, stands in support of the proposed bill in Massachusetts aimed at ensuring the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies. The bill, titled “An Act to ensure the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies,” is a pioneering step towards implementing regulations to safeguard public safety and uphold ethical standards in the burgeoning robotics industry.

Spearheaded by State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and State Sen. Michael Moore, the bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and operation of robots or drones mounted with weapons. If enacted into law, this legislation would set a precedent as the first-in-the-nation regulation addressing the ethical use of robots.

Brendan Schulman, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at Boston Dynamics, expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines in the development and deployment of robotics technology. “Advanced mobile robots are incredible tools that can enrich our lives and keep people safe,” Schulman stated. “However, makeshift efforts to weaponize general-purpose robots threaten public trust and acceptance of this emerging technology.”

Boston Dynamics, in collaboration with civil rights advocates and industry associations such as the ACLU of Massachusetts, MassRobotics, and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), has actively contributed to the development of this legislation. Schulman highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting responsible robotics use and preventing misuse of these technologies.

“We recently led a consortium of six leading robotics companies calling on policymakers to ensure the ethical use of general-purpose robots and prohibit their misuse,” Schulman added. “We are proud to have worked in collaboration with Representative Sabadosa, Senator Moore, civil rights advocates, and robotics industry leaders to help develop the nation’s first comprehensive legislation on this topic, in our home state of Massachusetts.”

As the robotics industry continues to evolve, Boston Dynamics remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize public safety, ethical standards, and responsible innovation.