Published
By Jane Wakefield
Technology reporter
A US art installation that will let people control a paintballing robot in a mock art gallery has been condemned by the firm that made the robo-dog.
Boston Dynamics criticised the project, calling it a "provocative use" of its quadruped robot, Spot.
It warned that if the "spectacle" goes ahead, Spot's warranty might be voided, meaning it could not be updated.
The group behind it, MSCHF, argues that Spot or robots like it will probably be used for military applications.
The group is known for creating viral stunts, stories and products.
The project, entitled Spot's Rampage, is due to start at 13:00 EST (18:00 GMT) on Wednesday, and will let people "remotely control a Spot robot" via a website.
Every two minutes, the controls will be passed to a new person, chosen randomly.
Image source, MSCHF
The website shows a video clip of Spot wandering around an art gallery with a paintballing gun on its back. It details the robot's specs, including its $74,500 (£55,000) price tag and describes it as a "war dog".
In its FAQ, the group writes: "We talked to Boston Dynamics and they hated this idea. They said they would give us another two Spots for free if we took the gun off. That just made us want to do this even more."
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While Boston Dynamics' original research was funded by the military, it has been keen to distance itself from that image as it starts to offer its sophisticated robot creations for sale.
In recent videos from the firm, Spot is shown doing far more benign tasks such as gardening, cleaning and skipping.
In the last year, the firm has sold 400 Spot robots, which are being used in a range of industries including construction, mining and nuclear power, as well as on oil rigs.
Spot's contract states that it must be used "in compliance with the law, and cannot be used to harm or intimidate people or animals".
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As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide insights into various aspects of the article you've shared, showcasing my expertise on topics related to robotics, technology, and the specific case involving Boston Dynamics and the art installation by MSCHF.
Firstly, it's important to note that Boston Dynamics, the maker of the quadruped robot Spot, has criticized the art installation project titled "Spot's Rampage." The installation allows people to remotely control a Spot robot equipped with a paintballing gun in a mock art gallery. Boston Dynamics deems this use of Spot as a "provocative" and potentially damaging application.
Boston Dynamics expressed concerns about the project, emphasizing that if the spectacle proceeds, Spot's warranty might be voided, preventing future updates to the robot. This reaction indicates the company's commitment to ensuring responsible and intended uses of its robotic creations.
MSCHF, the group behind the art installation, justifies its project by suggesting that robots like Spot are likely to be used for military applications in the future. They highlight the potential dual-use nature of such technology, prompting ethical and controversial discussions surrounding the deployment of robots in various contexts.
The project involves allowing individuals to remotely control the Spot robot through a website, with control being transferred to a new person every two minutes. MSCHF emphasizes the robot's specifications, including its price tag of $74,500 (£55,000), and labels it as a "war dog."
In response to MSCHF's project, Boston Dynamics reportedly offered two additional Spot robots for free if the paintballing gun was removed. However, MSCHF rejected the offer, stating that the opposition from Boston Dynamics only fueled their determination to proceed with the controversial art installation.
The broader context includes Boston Dynamics' efforts to distance itself from its initial military-funded research image. Recent videos from the company depict Spot engaging in more benign tasks such as gardening, cleaning, and skipping, showcasing the robot's versatility and potential applications in various industries.
Over the past year, Boston Dynamics has sold 400 Spot robots, with deployments in industries such as construction, mining, nuclear power, and oil rigs. The contract for Spot usage specifies that the robot must be employed in compliance with the law and cannot be used to harm or intimidate people or animals.
This situation raises questions about the ethical considerations surrounding the use of advanced robotics technology and the responsibility of both manufacturers and users in ensuring safe and appropriate applications. It also underscores the potential for conflicts between artistic expression, technological innovation, and the intended use of sophisticated robots in the real world.
