ICE to spend millions on Boston Dynamics SPOT robots for immigration enforcement

Full text

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to buy at least a million dollars worth of robots from Boston Dynamics, the company that makes the dog-like SPOT robots, with the purpose of improving “officer safety,” according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement.

The news shows that ICE continues to spend millions of dollars on new technology. On Thursday, U.S. procurement records showed that ICE has contracted to buy 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves for $16.7 million, the Associated Press reported .

💡

Do you work at Boston Dynamics or ICE? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at joseph.404 or send me an email at joseph@404media.co.

ICE “has a requirement to purchase Boston Dynamics SPOT Robots and accessories [sic] support public safety and law enforcement operations by providing a remotely operated robotic capability for inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment in environments that may pose risks to personnel,” the announcement reads . “This capability helps improve officer safety, supports informed operational decision-making, and enhances DHS’s ability to respond to incidents involving dangerous, confined, unstable, or difficult-to-access areas.”

Boston Dynamic’s now infamous robots are used by police departments all across the U.S. They are equipped with cameras for 360 degree views, can automatically open doors with their extendable arm, and can pick up objects. The Los Angeles Police Department used one of the robots to remotely pick up two imitation firearms . The New York Police Department cancelled its contract with Boston Dynamics following a public backlash .

ICE plans to spend between one and two million dollars on the robots, according to the announcement. The robots can cost starting at around $75,000 , suggesting ICE plans to buy at least several of the devices.

Boston Dynamics did not respond to a request for comment.

The company is also working on humanoid robots. Another robotics company, Foundation, recently reportedly pitched its own humanoid robot tech to DHS.