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Mon, 08 Jun 2026

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 Could humanoid robots be heading for the battlefield?

Armed forces are experimenting with humanoid robots, but battlefield deployment is some way off.
Phantom Robot
* Developed by Foundation Robotics, a US-based start-up
* A humanoid robot designed for military and civilian applications
* Currently in its first generation, the Phantom MK-1 is not yet battery-powered or waterproof and lacks proper wrists
* The company plans to release a second-generation model (Phantom MK-2) with improved features Military Applications
* Foundation Robotics claims it's developing Phantom specifically for defense applications, including support roles like supply pickup and reconnaissance
* The company also aims to develop the robot for frontline combat, which is considered more controversial
* Pathak argues that arming robots could keep human soldiers out of harm's way and reduce collateral damage Ethical Concerns
* Critics argue that lethal autonomous weapons lower the barrier to warfare, dehumanise conflict, and blur accountability
* The humanoid form factor may make people misread danger as the robot appears familiar and trustworthy
* International rules are needed to de-escalate the technological arms race Technical Challenges
* Runtime is a major problem for humanoid robots, with Griffin stating that six hours of operation would be "very impressive"
* Building hands capable of manipulating a weapon designed for humans remains an open challenge
* Navigating unpredictable environments and handling open-ended uncertainty are also significant hurdles