Boston Dynamics, a U.S.-based robotics specialist under Hyundai Motor Group, has partnered with an Australian veteran-owned company to supply its four-legged robot, “Spot.” The collaboration will support the adoption of Spot by defense and public safety agencies in Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, marking an expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.
On the 10th, Australian defense firm EPE announced a strategic partnership with Boston Dynamics to distribute Spot.
The two companies will supply Spot to defense, public safety, and emergency response organizations across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. The robot will assist military units, police stations, fire departments, and rescue teams by performing hazardous tasks in place of humans.
Spot acts as an assistant to field commanders, delivering critical information for rapid situational assessments and enabling data-driven decisions. It operates with simple commands, navigates complex environments autonomously, recovers from falls independently, and uses its robotic arm to perform tasks like picking up objects. Unlike passive surveillance platforms, Spot interacts with its surroundings and responds proactively, making it a versatile tool.
Introduced in 2019, Spot was leased to the New York Police Department (NYPD) in 2020, where it located robbers and delivered food to hostages. In 2022, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) acquired two units through a contract with Boston Dynamics for firefighting operations. In 2023, it joined tactical training with U.S. private military firm CMI2. Following the U.S. presidential election in November last year, Spot was deployed in President Donald Trump’s security detail, further demonstrating its capabilities.
Through its partnership with EPE, Boston Dynamics aims to expand Spot’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its global footprint. EPE, owned by Australian veterans, specializes in solutions that protect military and police forces from threats like explosives and biochemical weapons. With over 400 robots delivered, EPE leads Australia’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) market.
