Could Humanoid Robots Be Heading for the Battlefield?

Could humanoid robots be heading – Visiting an industrial zone nestled within San Francisco’s tech-centric district, I step into a space where the future of land-based combat is being shaped. Expecting to witness a formidable humanoid soldier poised for battle, I find instead the sleek, black Phantom robot engaged in “free play”—manipulating colored child’s blocks as if testing its dexterity in a non-military setting. “We need data from it just interacting with its environment…[and] this is today’s menu,” explains Sankaet Pathak, co-founder and CEO of the two-year-old startup Foundation Robotics, which is developing Phantom for military and civilian applications.

The Evolution of Phantom

Later, Pathak demonstrates the robot’s 80kg steel-covered body, moving it across the room to showcase its stability. He also shows how it navigates on its own, highlighting its potential for mobility in complex terrains. While many companies are building autonomous humanoid robots for factories, homes, or companions, Foundation claims it is the only US firm developing them specifically for a broad range of defense applications. This includes support roles like supply pickup, reconnaissance, recovery of equipment or casualties, and hazard inspection. However, the company also envisions a more controversial use: warfighting to engage and neutralise threats—what Pathak calls “frontline weaponisation.”

Pathak argues that arming robots could keep human soldiers out of harm’s way, particularly in scenarios like searching buildings where chokepoints can be deadly. He emphasizes that land-based autonomy offers precision advantages over aerial strikes, which might lack the same level of control in dynamic environments. “The world is built for humans,” he says, adding that humanoid robots can utilise existing tools—like screwdrivers and weapons—without requiring entirely new designs.

Technological Challenges and Progress

Despite its promise, the current Phantom MK-1 model has notable limitations. It lacks a battery, is not dust or water-resistant, and struggles to recover from a fall. Its hands, a persistent challenge in robotics, lack the strength and dexterity of human limbs, and it has no proper wrists yet. However, Pathak reveals that a second-generation model is being developed in another restricted area of the facility. This next iteration will be element-proof, with a large battery providing six hours of runtime and improved durability to withstand greater force. Better hands are critical, he adds, as the robot’s future versions will move in far more ways, including the ability to fire weapons with precision.

Foundation’s goal, Pathak explains, is to produce at least 40,000 units a year by the end of 2027, with long-term costs projected below $20,000 each. This ambition is driven by the belief that China is already advancing in this field, and the West must keep pace. He envisions a future where AI-driven humanoid robots form a ground force, paralleling the growing use of autonomous drones in aerial combat. Such a fleet, he argues, could act as a significant deterrent to conflict, reducing the need for human risk in high-stakes operations.

Business and Ethical Implications

Foundation has secured $24 million in research contracts to pilot its technology with the US military, as well as two units currently being tested by the Ukrainian military. The US military pilot program focuses on handling rather than firing weapons, though weaponisation is part of the Ukrainian trials. The company recently attracted attention when Eric Trump, the son of the US President, became an investor and advisor. For Pathak, this partnership is an opportunity to prove his vision, especially after his previous financial services firm, Synapse, filed for bankruptcy in 2024.

Dean Fankhauser, founder of Robozaps—a humanoid robotics advisory firm that operates a marketplace for commercial systems—notes that the military’s interest in humanoid robots is clear. He points to a current US Army contest for humanoids that could eventually support soldiers in a wide range of tasks. “It’s completely inevitable,” Fankhauser says, “that a company would see a business opportunity in weaponising the technology.” Yet, the debate over ethical implications remains fierce.

While simpler robots, such as drones and ground-based systems, are already used to carry explosives, missiles, and other payloads on the battlefield, especially in Ukraine, some firms have hesitated to weaponize their designs. Fankhauser acknowledges that others have drawn a line against weaponisation, citing risks of harm and ethical concerns. Pathak, however, disagrees, arguing that delaying progress is dangerous. “If more firms aren’t following our lead, we risk falling behind,” he states, underscoring the urgency of integrating robotics into combat scenarios.

A Growing Market and Future Prospects

Though quadruped robots—dog-like machines—have been explored for weaponisation, they have yet to see widespread use in active warfare. Fankhauser highlights that the shift toward humanoid soldiers reflects a broader trend: the military’s desire to leverage advanced robotics for diverse missions. Yet, the question remains whether these systems are truly needed or if their complexity poses unnecessary challenges.

As Foundation Robotics continues refining its technology, the company aims to balance innovation with practicality. The MK-2 model, with its enhanced features, represents a step closer to battlefield readiness. Meanwhile, the debate over ethical issues—such as accountability for robotic actions or the psychological impact on soldiers—gains momentum. Pathak remains optimistic, suggesting that human oversight will remain essential. “Humans should be in the loop,” he says, “approving any use of the technology to ensure it aligns with our values.”

The broader implications of this shift are significant. If humanoid robots become a staple of military operations, they could redefine the nature of warfare, blending automation with human decision-making. However, their deployment also raises questions about the future of employment, the potential for autonomous conflict, and the evolving role of soldiers. As Pathak and others push forward, the answer to whether these robots will dominate the battlefield may depend on how quickly the industry can address both technical hurdles and ethical concerns.