# Boston Dynamics staff petition to cancel $1.3M Spot robot sale to ICE

Digest AI · Robotics & Physical AI · published 2026-10-24T10:59:13Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/boston-dynamics-staff-petition-to-cancel-1-3m-spot-robot-sale-to-ice

## Summary

Hundreds of Boston Dynamics employees have signed a petition urging leadership to cancel a $1.3 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The deal, finalized in September, involves supplying four AI-powered Spot robot dogs to ICE through a third-party Connecticut firm, Radeco. The robots, nicknamed Cerberus, are modified with military-grade add-ons including a robotic arm, thermal camera, and explosive sensors. ICE stated the units will provide real-time situational awareness in hazardous environments before agents enter a scene.

The petition, which gathered roughly 300 signatures in early September, argues the sale damages the company’s reputation and associates it with an agency that "brutalizes civilians." Employees warned the contract could lead to staff resignations and hinder hiring. A Boston Dynamics spokesperson noted that nearly half the signatures were anonymous and that the signers represent a minority of the company's 1,500+ employees.

Former interim CEO Amanda McMaster defended the decision, stating the robots are sold to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit, which focuses on transnational criminal matters rather than removal operations. The company maintains its terms prohibit weaponizing the robots or using them for harm. The dispute highlights internal resistance to government use of autonomous machines, complicated by the third-party integrator adding military hardware.

## Key points

- Boston Dynamics employees petitioned to cancel a $1.3 million contract for four Spot robots to ICE.
- The robots are sold via Radeco with military-grade add-ons like thermal cameras and explosive sensors.
- Former interim CEO Amanda McMaster defended the sale, citing ICE's focus on criminal investigations.

## Why it matters

This internal conflict highlights growing ethical tensions in robotics over government surveillance and enforcement use, potentially impacting talent retention and brand perception for AI hardware firms.

## Sources

1. [Boston Dynamics employees petition to cancel $1.3M Spot robot sale to ICE](http://vectorwire.ai/article/boston-dynamics-employees-petition-to-cancel-1-3m-spot-robot-sale-to-ice-6ae86e) (vectorwire.ai, 2026-10-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Boston Dynamics staff petition to cancel $1.3M Spot robot sale to ICE", 24 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/boston-dynamics-staff-petition-to-cancel-1-3m-spot-robot-sale-to-ice

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