Real Star Wars battle droid? Phantom MK-1 robot brings sci-fi to war

The Phantom MK-1, developed by San Francisco-based robotics company Foundation, is potentially the world’s first humanoid robot explicitly designed for military use. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, it can carry loads up to 44 pounds and is intended primarily for ground operations such as reconnaissance and bomb disposal. Unlike many robotics firms that avoid weaponizing their technology, Foundation aims to produce 10,000 units by next year, with the robots operating under human supervision to maintain ethical control over critical decisions like firing weapons. The company emphasizes durability and ruggedness to ensure the robot can withstand harsh battlefield conditions. This development marks a new frontier in military robotics, moving beyond the current widespread use of AI-enabled drones and automated systems for target acquisition and strike support, as seen in conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war. Foundation’s CEO, Sankaet Pathak, envisions a future where humanoid robots are the first deployed on battlefields, with humans following if necessary. The