Spot for Bomb Disposal

At Boston Dynamics, we have always pushed the boundaries of what robotics can achieve. From industrial inspections to optimizing warehouse efficiency, our robots have consistently set new standards for capabilities, performance and reliability. Today, I am thrilled to share a groundbreaking new application that extends our ability to serve public safety customers and keep people out of harm’s way: bomb disposal.

Imagine a robot that can traverse any terrain, navigate complex environments through assisted autonomy, and safely disarm explosive devices. This isn’t science fiction—it’s our latest version of Spot, and it's set to revolutionize bomb disposal operations worldwide.

When my team first brought the idea to me, I was very skeptical because the technology used to diffuse bombs is called a disrupter, and it resembles a gun in look and functionality. I was concerned the general public may not understand the significant difference between a disrupter and a weapon.

If you have been following us over the years, you already know that our terms and conditions explicitly prohibit any attempts to weaponize Spot, or use our robots to harm or intimidate people. We have taken a clear stance against weaponization in our ethical principles, and two years ago we partnered with five other robotics companies in pledging we would never weaponize general purpose robots like Spot. We didn’t stop there. Our government relations team has worked with policymakers to introduce legislation in multiple states that would outlaw the weaponization of robots in these jurisdictions. We stand by our anti-weaponization commitment today more than ever, so I wanted to take a moment to clarify the difference between a weapon and a life-saving technology like a disrupter. Because although they may look similar, there are some very important distinctions.?

A disrupter is a metal tube designed to neutralize bombs by igniting an explosive cartridge that in turn shoots a high-pressure stream of water into the device. This action effectively 'disrupts' the bomb's firing circuit, preventing it from detonating. Water penetrates the outer shell of the device, and then quickly disperses throughout the internal mechanics. The water is followed by a burst of pressured air that usually blows off the outer shell for better inspection.?

So the disrupter might look intimidating, but it’s a precise instrument that is used exclusively by trained professionals familiar with how to investigate potentially explosive devices and render them safe. Our customers for this technology are bomb disposal experts like SWAT teams and specialized military personnel. A disrupter attachment for Spot gives them a powerful new tool that can access more places than any prior technology, and it can be done faster and cheaper than ever before.?

After much? deliberation, we ultimately decided to proceed with this technology because it will save lives. The disrupter integration makes Spot the most advanced bomb disposal robot in the world, and it allows the robot to perform tasks that were once reserved for humans—only without the risk of injury or loss of life.

We are incredibly excited about the potential of this technology to protect the people who protect us. It’s a powerful example of innovation in a field where the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Marc