Foundation Future Industries plans humanoid robots for military use

Foundation Future Industries, a San Francisco robotics company, is developing autonomous humanoid robots for industrial and military applications. The firm plans to scale production to thousands of units this year and begin frontline testing with the U.S. military within the next 18 months.

CEO Sankaet Pathak said the technology should replace jobs that are dangerous for humans. "I'm convinced the technology is reaching a level where it can replace jobs that are dangerous for humans to perform, and if you can do that, it's the highest net good you can create out of all applications of robotics," Pathak said.

Ukraine testing Two Phantom MK-1 units were sent to Ukraine earlier this year for a pilot demonstration focused on logistics in hazardous areas. The tests, backed by the U.S. government, examined supply pickups that expose soldiers to danger. The MK-1 units carry a 44-pound payload and lack waterproofing and sufficient battery life for scaled deployment.

Pathak said improved Phantom 2 robots with double the payload capacity will be sent to Ukraine this year. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine declined to comment, and the U.S. Department of Defense did not respond to an inquiry.

Government contracts and leadership Foundation has received $24 million in U.S. government research contracts for feasibility testing in inspection, logistics, and weapons handling across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Eric Trump joined the company as chief strategy advisor after previously investing in the firm.

A Foundation spokesperson said Eric Trump and the company share a vision of bringing manufacturing back to the United States. Pathak stated the goal is to deliver robots to the U.S. military that are better than those developed in China. Pathak previously led Synapse, a fintech platform that declared bankruptcy in 2024.