A coalition of six robotics companies refused to build or support the military use of their devices and software.
The corresponding open letter was signed by Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, ANYbotics, Clearpath Robotics, Open Robotics and Unitree Robotics.
“We believe that adding weapons to remotely or autonomously controlled robots that are widely available to the public and able to navigate complex locations where people live and work creates new risks of harm and serious ethical issues,” the group said.
The coalition also said that the use of smart machines for military purposes could harm people’s trust in technology and the “tremendous benefits” that they can bring to humanity.
The Alliance cites growing public concern over individuals, manufacturers and organizations demonstrating efforts to weaponize commercially available devices. Examples of such actions would be equipped a robot dog rifle from Ghost Robotics.
The coalition has pledged not to use its general-purpose devices with increased mobility and the software they create for military purposes, and refused to support other industry representatives in doing so.
The companies also stated that they would not allow customers to use the platforms they bought from them as weapons when possible.
“We are committed to exploring the creation of technology features that could mitigate or reduce these risks,” the alliance added.
However, the group clarified that it does not dispute the existing developments that countries and their government agencies use to protect themselves and comply with the law.
The companies have urged politicians and other robotics manufacturers to make similar commitments.
Recall that in December 2021, Chinese Ambassador for Arms Control to the UN Li Song opposed the use of AI for military purposes.
That same month, The Future of Life Institute released a mini-movie calling for a ban on “killer robots” from killing people on their own.
In June, the UN recorded the first case in history when a combat drone, without a direct order from the operator, killed a person. In response, Human Rights Watch called for a ban on the development, production and use of autonomous weapons.
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