The development of humanoid robotics is transitioning from an idea associated with science fiction to an actual vision of the future. Foundation hopes to manufacture its Phantom humanoid robots to be used as tools in various industries, including manufacturing and military operations, by 2025. For the Task Web Tech Tier 1 audience, the primary message is that the combination of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) for military applications is revolutionizing the workplace, impacts on combataciations, and will have major impacts on ethics across all sectors of society.
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New technology means we are not limited to low-cost materials that allow better and easier functions and movement patterns. Advanced technologies are creating humanoids that can be applied to a range of industries from logistics, manufacturing, to warehousing. Tesla’s Optimus, Agility’s Digit, and Sanctuary’s Phoenix are being marketed as robots for general-purpose work in the food service, logistics, and warehousing industries in the US, Europe, and other developed regions.
On the same note, a new startup from San Francisco, Foundation, is entering the humanoid scene with its humanoid robot named Phantom. Phantom, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound humanoid robot is being marketed to be used for both industrial applications and combat. Although many technologies are available for foundations today, Phantom stands out for its technology as it was designed specifically to provide configuration capabilities for both military and civilian purposes. The fact that Phantom can be marketed as dual-use makes it a unique player in the humanoid robotics industry today, and provides important ideas on future applications of these types of humanoids.
Foundation’s Phantom and 50,000-robot vision
Foundation Robotics is planning to follow an ambitious route to develop 50,000 humanoid robots by 2027. First, this will be done by creating a small number of Phantoms for sale, with production scaling to approximately 10,000 units by the end of 2026. If Foundation can make this plan a reality, it would place them in a position financially that rivals many established international robotics companies rather than just having a business model that is typical for most early-stage businesses.
To differentiate themselves from the traditional sale of hardware, Foundation plans to offer Phantom units on lease to users for around $100,000 for a one-year period for each unit. This will allow Foundation to maintain near-continuous operation across multiple shifts, thus maximizing the output of its robots. Sankaet Pathak, the founder and CEO of Foundation, has stated that the benefits of using a Phantom, if they match or exceed the capabilities of humans, will allow a single Phantom to replace several human employees and save the employer thousands of dollars per year.
War: Phantom as a “first body in
While the military production narrative of Phantom is unique, its most significant distinction is its overt intentions for military utility. According to Pathak, he envisions humanoids as the “first body in”, with the intention that when engaged in dangerous operations, humanoids would be armed with advanced weapon systems (e.g., M4 Carbine) while minimizing exposure to direct fire for human troops.
This concept is very similar to that which is being employed with many types of armed drones today: the concept of armed humanoids is to manage navigation/movement, while the (human) operator grants permission and delivers commands for any lethal actions from a safe distance. Proponents of armed humanoids are claiming that, by replacing reliance on airstrikes and artillery with ф-based firing systems, armed humanoids will allow for more precise ground operations while subsequently reducing the risk of innocent civilian deaths from bombing.
Opponents of this type of technology warn that eliminating the physical risk for human soldiers lowers both the political and moral barriers (e.g., ethical concerns) for engaging in military force. Thus, an increase in the use of military force may occur if militaries possess large fleets of armed humanoids with similar technology. The introduction of large fleets of armed humanoids may also change the deterrent landscape in a military environment, especially as permit systems have been enacted where China, Russia, and the United States currently invest significantly in military robotic technologies.
Work: From Warehouses to “labour surplus”
Phantom is a new general -purpose labor platform designed to serve both warehouses, factories, and logistics hubs on the commercial end. Foundation uses high efficiency back-drivable actuators and a camera heavy sensing stack that makes the robot sturdy enough to be safe but less complicated in manufacturing processes than previous Li-Dar based systems.
According to Pathak, if the company achieves its leasing and utilization goals, Pathak thinks that each of its fully utilized units (Phantom) will save employers between $90,000 – $166,000 per year after factoring in downtime and supervision. This means that in tier-1 economies where there is a chronic lack of physical labor in these roles currently there could be thousands of individual humanoids that would create a huge difference in the ratio of labor from humans versus robots. Additionally, many analysts speculate that the chronic labor shortage narrative could quickly change to a labor surplus narrative once humanoids become reliable and affordable on a massive scale.
Faultlines in ethics, law, and regulation
Weaponized humanoid robots are involved in many ethical issues; autonomous weapons, human dignity in warfare, and accountability when AI‑enabled systems malfunction. Even if lethal decisions are still considered “human in the loop,” there is concern regarding the lack of meaningful human control over AI systems which will increase exponentially in terms of complexity, speed and opaqueness as more complex AI systems become available for use.
Civil liberties and labour rights also arise as an ethical concern in Tier‑1 democracies if these technologies are deployed for use in border security, law enforcement, or strike‑breaking during industrial disputes. There is insufficient international humanitarian law and emerging framework of AI safety regulations which adequately address the possibility of deploying many thousands of armed humanoid soldiers instead of or alongside conventional soldiers, and continue to grow at an exponential rate.
How this affects businesses and policymakers
Humanoid robots are no longer hovering around the realm of research and development; they are now firmly moving into pilot programs in warehouse settings, building and assembly operations and as part of military supply chain efforts. Decision makers in Tier 1 markets should evaluate where generalized humanoid robots can add value to their current teams, how much return on investment (ROI) can be achieved and what reskilling programs need to be developed for those people whose work and responsibilities are most vulnerable.
On the policy front, there is an urgent need for policy creators to establish a comprehensive framework regarding safety standards and unique dual-use characteristic for humanoid robots because these robots can easily be transformed from stacking boxes on a pallet to being used to fulfil the same function and as weapons with relatively minor modifications. Thus, it is critical that clear regulations are implemented that describe where human oversight is required, establish thresholds for the use of force and set export control parameters to prevent an uncontrolled escalation of competition with regard to humanoid combat systems.
How Readers of Task Web Tech Should Consider It
The convergence of capital, talent, and clear demand has resulted in a significant acceleration in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). By demonstrating their commitment to the future of AI and robotics through their $50,000 robot initiative, Task Web Tech, Phantom, and Foundation are providing valuable insight into how quickly this industry can grow. Those who are successful in this area will not only create the most robots, but also develop the most effective combination of robotics with safety and trust for all users, whether they’re in a military or civilian setting.
As humanoid robots continue to gain traction over the next several years, it seems likely that these very robots will become commonplace topics of discussion within corporate boardrooms, defense committees, and labor relations committees across North America, Europe, Canada, and other Tier-1 countries. Regardless of whether or not Phantom actually produces 50,000 humanoids, there will be a significant increase in usage of humanoid technology as it continues to develop at a rapid pace. Humanoid robotic platforms will play an important role in shaping the future of work and warfare as the employment of AI and robotics will continue to blur the lines between the two areas.
