Boston Dynamics settles patent suit with military robotics firm Ghost

Roughly two and a half years after their patent battle began, Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics have settled the dispute on reasonably amicable terms. The robotics firms on Wednesday issued a joint release announcing the end of the dispute. 

“We are pleased to resolve this dispute on mutually advantageous terms,” Boston Dynamics Chief Legal Officer Jason Fiorillo noted. “We look forward to collaborating on common ground issues where our two companies might collaborate in the future, to advance the state of robotics in the United States and around the world.”

The dispute arose from alleged infringement against a Boston Dynamics patent over legged robots. Exacerbating the battle was Ghost’s seeming agnosticism with regard to military-mounted weaponry. A month prior, Boston Dynamics was one of a handful of robotics firms that contributed to an open letter condemning the weaponization of “general purpose” robots. 

That letter appeared to have been inspired — at least in part — by images of an autonomous rifle mounted to the top of a Ghost-produced robot dog that had recently made waves on social media. 

Ghost co-founder and current CEO Gavin Kenneally responded to the recent resolution by emphasizing potential future collaborations with Boston Dynamics.

“This resolution allows us to focus on driving innovation in robotics,” Kenneally said. “This agreement underscores our shared commitment to advancing the progress of legged robots while fostering new opportunities for collaboration on key policy and technological initiatives.”

Boston Dynamics has its own roots in military contractors. DARPA was a key supporter in the Hyundai-owned company’s earliest days. Notably, however, those early Boston Dynamics dogs were designed to transport payloads, rather than mounting weapons. 

“Currently, the United States has no national robotics strategy,” Fiorillo added. “Countries like China are heavily investing in robotics and AI, and setting aggressive technology acceleration goals at a national level. Without more direct interest and engagement from policymakers, the U.S. risks falling behind.”

The two companies announced plans to meet early this year to “discuss further policy proposals that could benefit both companies and the industry at large.”