--- title: "Boston Dynamics Sues Competitor That Put a Gun on Its Robodog" description: "Boston Dynamics is suing computer Ghost Robots, alleging that their rival robot maker has infringed on patents related to the Spot quadruped." date: "2022-11-16" modified: "2022-11-16" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/boston-dynamics-sues-gun-robodog" categories: - "Boston Dynamics" - "Robot Dogs" - "Robotics" - "Robots and Machines" tags: - "boston dynamics" - "ghost robotics" - "robodog" - "the digest" --- # Boston Dynamics Sues Competitor That Put a Gun on Its Robodog ![Boston Dynamics is suing computer Ghost Robots, alleging that their rival robot maker has infringed on patents related to the Spot quadruped.]() *\Image: Ghost Robotics\* ## That's My Dog According [to ]()[the]()*[ Robot Report](),* Hyundai-owned robotics company Boston Dynamics is suing competitor Ghost Robots, alleging that the rival robot maker has infringed on seven of Boston Dynamics' patents related to the company's well-known robodog, the Spot quadruped. A lawsuit isn't that surprising, given that the robots all look pretty much identical, and Spot, which [hit the market]() in 2019, definitely came out first. Ghost Robotics came out with its first model, the Spirit 40, in 2020, with its next robodog iteration, the Vision 60 — which made major headlines when the company *strapped* *a* [*sniper rifle*]() *to it—* introduced the following year. According [to *Engadget*](), Boston Dynamics first asked Ghost Robotics to review their robodoggo patents back in 2020 — just a few months after Spirit 40 was made available — and have sent multiple cease-and-desist letters since. Ghost Robotics apparently failed to cease and desist, and now Boston Dynamics wants to take them to court. "We do not comment on the specifics of pending litigation," a spokesperson from Boston Dynamics told the *Robot Report* over email. "We welcome competition in the emerging mobile robotics market, but we expect all companies to respect intellectual property rights, and we will take action when those rights are violated." ## Potential Gamechanger Again, as the robodogs do — [gun aside]() — look basically the same, a lawsuit was inevitable. But while Boston Dynamics has emerged as a major market player, it's still relatively young, as is most of the robotics industry. There's opportunity here for a precedent to be set, and the outcomes of this case could well determine whether Boston Dynamics' grip on the robodog market will get even tighter, or if it'll have to concede a fair amount of market share to its burgeoning competitors. How the court case shakes out remains to be seen, but in the meantime, might we suggest switching up the breeds of these mechanical mutts? Something with short legs, like a chihuahua or a wiener dog, for example, might be helpful for variety's sake. Sure, the relative mechanics might be the same, but they'd at least *look* different. No guns though, please. **READ MORE:** *[Boston Dynamics sues rival Ghost Robotics for allegedly copying its robot dog]()* \[*Engadget*\] **More on Ghost Robotics:** *[Experts Shocked by Military Robodog With Sniper Rifle Attachment]()* ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()