Activists in Japan have accused FANUC Corporation, the country’s largest robotics manufacturer, of violating its own company policies by aiding the Israeli defense industry. The company has denied the claims, but the episode reveals the complex ethics of global manufacturing.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) protesters have demanded that FANUC cut off ties with Israel and all the defense companies that contribute to Israel’s military. Taizo Imano, one of the protest organizers, said that “selling such products to a country that continues to commit genocide is itself a violation of international laws and obligations.”
FANUC has rejected the claims, stating that it carries out necessary transaction screening when selling products to Israel, and will not sell if the end use is for military use. However, the activists argue that the line between civilian and military technology has grown blurry, and it can be difficult to foresee how the technology will be used in the future.
FANUC’s robots have been used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and defense. The company has historically exported its kit to the North American and European defense industry, and has worked with companies such as GE and Raytheon. The classification of these technologies as “dual-use” means that their use must be controlled and monitored.
Trade lawyers consulted by WIRED say that the law is both clear and outdated, making it difficult to navigate the complexities of global manufacturing. The controversy surrounding FANUC’s involvement in Israel’s military supply chain highlights the need for clearer regulations and greater transparency in the industry.
What’s Next?
The controversy surrounding FANUC’s involvement in Israel’s military supply chain is ongoing, with activists continuing to call for greater transparency and accountability. As the use of robotics and automation continues to grow, it is essential that companies and governments prioritize ethics and responsibility in their decision-making.
The recent accusations against Japanese robotics manufacturer FANUC Corporation for providing robots used in Israel’s military equipment production have ignited a heated debate on the ethics of global manufacturing.
Photograph: Kazuhiro Nogi; Getty
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) protesters claim that FANUC’s robots are being used to build military equipment for Israel, thereby aiding the Israeli defense industry. They demand that the company cut off ties with Israel and all defense companies contributing to Israel’s military.
FANUC has denied these claims, stating that they carry out necessary transaction screening and decide not to sell if the end use of the technology is for military use. However, the activists argue that the line between civilian and military technology has become increasingly blurred, making it difficult to forecast the future use of such technology.
Trade lawyers say that the law regarding dual-use technologies is both clear and outdated. This ambiguity has led to a complex ethics dilemma in global manufacturing, where it is challenging