MassRobotics Executive Director Tom Ryden recently joined a panel at the Massachusetts State House to voice support for proposed legislation that ensures the safe and ethical use of robotics across the Commonwealth. The panel included Grant Baker, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Kelly Peterson, Assistant General Counsel, Compliance at Boston Dynamics, signaling a strong and unified industry commitment to responsible robotics deployment.

The testimony highlighted the importance of creating clear frameworks that protect public safety and foster innovation.

The hearing also featured favorable remarks from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which spoke in regards to a parallel bill regulating the use of facial recognition software. The ACLU extended its endorsement to the robotics safety legislation, recognizing its alignment with broader civil liberties and public safety concerns.

The panel’s message was clear: collaboration between government, industry, and civil rights advocates is essential to shaping a future where robotic technologies are integrated thoughtfully and responsibly into society.

The testimony was well received by lawmakers, marking a positive milestone in the advancement of the legislation. MassRobotics will continue to engage with policymakers and community stakeholders to ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in safe and innovative robotics development.