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10h ago

ICE Seeks to Spend Up to $2 Million on Boston Dynamics Spot Robot Dogs

The market-research notice signals a wider push to add enforcement technologies, drawing civil‑liberties objections and vendor promises against weaponization.

A Boston Dynamics quadruped robot named Scout is tested at the Lincoln Memorial on July 02, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Photo: Sarnia (Shutterstock)
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Overview

  • ICE posted a market-research notice on Friday, Aug. 28 seeking “quadruped unmanned ground vehicles” identified as Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots and projected potential spending of up to $2 million.
  • The notice is an acquisition forecast that explicitly does not guarantee a future solicitation or contract and leaves quantities, accessories, and final buys subject to further internal decisions.
  • Separate procurement records show ICE recently awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of electric-shock gloves, which reporters and watchdogs link to the agency’s broader push for new enforcement tools.
  • Spot robots retail from roughly $75,000 per unit and can be fitted with 360° cameras, LIDAR and an extendable arm; law enforcement has used them for inspections, standoffs and hazardous‑area assessments.
  • Boston Dynamics reiterates a 2022 pledge not to authorize weaponization, civil‑liberties groups have raised oversight and safety concerns, and DHS/ICE have not offered further public comment on whether the market research will become a purchase.