U.S. military tests humanoid robots for support roles
Start-up Foundation Robotics is developing a humanoid robot called Phantom for potential military use. Current models handle basic tasks while future versions may carry weapons. Testing is underway with U.S. and Ukrainian forces.
cnbc.comA San Francisco start-up is testing a humanoid robot designed for military tasks that range from supply transport to reconnaissance. The first-generation Phantom MK-1 lacks a battery, is not waterproof, and cannot recover after falling. Engineers are building a second-generation model that will run for about six hours, withstand dust and water, and stand up after a fall.
Current testing and contracts Foundation Robotics holds $24 million in U.S. military research contracts and has two units under evaluation by Ukrainian forces. The U.S. pilot limits the robot to handling weapons, while Ukrainian testing includes firing. Company executives say the goal is to reach annual production of at least 40,000 units by the end of 2027 at a long-term cost below $20,000 each.
Technical and ethical questions Developers say the robot uses an AI system called Cortex that combines a reasoning model and a world model trained on video and sensor data. The system receives goals such as mapping a building and adapts its movements using helmet-mounted cameras.
Advisers and researchers note that current commercial humanoids still struggle with basic warehouse tasks and that runtime and unpredictable terrain remain major obstacles. Ethical concerns focus on lethal autonomous weapons, accountability, and the risk that human-like appearance may reduce perceived danger.
A global coalition of non-governmental organizations has called for international rules to limit development of such systems.
