Foundation Future Industries aims to produce 50,000 Phantom robots for the US military by 2027
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Image: Foundation Future Industries
In the future, the battlefield may not be populated by soldiers, but by imposing humanoid robots. Foundation Future Industries, a California-based company, is developing the Phantom robot specifically for military applications. Standing 1.8 metres tall and weighing 82kg, each Phantom can carry more than 20kg of equipment or weapons.
The Phantom’s design emphasises human-like mobility and adaptability. The upper torso houses critical components such as sensors, computers, cameras and batteries, enabling it to operate in environments built for people. The lower torso uses actuators and an advanced balancing system to move across rough terrain, climb stairs and remain stable even under heavy loads.
The Foundation envisions Phantoms playing a variety of roles on the battlefield: surveillance, logistical support, transporting weapons and equipment, and replacing personnel in high-risk situations such as exploring confined spaces or caves. Foundation aims to produce 50,000 Phantom robots for the US military by 2027.
Although Phantoms will not have full autonomy when it comes to making decisions in combat, the company believes that deploying them on a large scale can deter conflicts by changing strategic calculations. The presence of these formidable machines could discourage adversaries from initiating hostilities. Foundation’s CEO, Sankaet Pathak, even suggested in a Forbes article that a demonstration of 100,000 Phantoms could prevent wars altogether.
Experts, however, caution against the assumption that using humanoid robots will automatically lead to fewer conflicts. They argue that such technology could paradoxically make military action more likely by reducing the perceived risks and consequences
Business AM