Humanoid robots tested on the front in Ukraine
Humanoid robots, created by the American startup Foundation Future Industries, which emerged in 2024, have been tested on the front in Ukraine. In the future, these developments are planned to be offered to the US army, CNBC reports .
Photo: Foundation Future Industries
The company aims to create robots that can perform dangerous work instead of humans – both in military conditions and in industry. The startup's CEO believes that the main benefit of such technologies is the ability to replace humans where there is a risk to their life.
Earlier this year, two Phantom MK-1 model robots were sent to Ukraine. They were used as an experiment – this is the first known case of humanoid robots being used in combat conditions. The tests were conducted with the support of the US government and with the participation of Ukrainian specialists.
Photo: Foundation Future Industries
The main task of the robots is logistics in dangerous zones, for example, delivering essential items to the front line. This is important because such tasks often expose soldiers to great risk.
Ukraine was not chosen for testing by chance. During the war with Russia, it has already become a unique testing ground for new military technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence. Ground robots are already used there for transporting cargo, as are drones for reconnaissance and precision strikes.
Initial tests showed that the Phantom MK-1 can indeed be useful for cargo delivery. However, it also has significant limitations: it can only carry about 20 kilograms, is not water-protected, and has insufficient battery life. Therefore, for now, such robots are not ready for widespread use.
Photo: Foundation Future Industries
The company is already working on a new model – Phantom 2. It is expected to be significantly more powerful: able to carry twice as much cargo and have much better characteristics.
In addition, the startup plans to set up production on a scale of thousands of units in the near future and begin more extensive testing with the American military over the next year and a half.