Resolution of Patent Litigation Ushers in New Opportunities for Advancing Robotics Innovation and Policy in the U.S.
Ghost Robotics Corp. and Boston Dynamics, Inc. have reached an agreement to resolve their patent litigation in U.S. District Court. The specific terms of the settlement are confidential.
"We are pleased to resolve this dispute on mutually advantageous terms," said Jason Fiorillo, Chief Legal Officer at Boston Dynamics. "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."
"This resolution allows us to focus on driving innovation in robotics," said Gavin Kenneally, Co-founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics. "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."
Potential areas of alignment include policy engagement around a national robotics strategy and policy initiatives that stimulate the responsible development and deployment of mobile robotics and artificial intelligence. Collectively, Ghost Robotics and Boston Dynamics have sold thousands of robots into commercial, governmental and public safety customers in the U.S. and its allies abroad. The two companies believe that stronger policy direction is needed on a range of industry issues, including making firm commitments to use robotics in governmental applications, addressing supply chain shortages for critical components, establishing safety and ethics standards that would prevent misuse of these emerging technologies, and spurring additional investment for U.S. led research, development, and manufacturing.
"Currently, the United States has no national robotics strategy," said Fiorillo. "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."
Representatives from Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics plan to meet in early 2025 to discuss further policy proposals that could benefit both companies and the industry at large.