US start-up plans to send new humanoid military robots to Ukraine – media

That is according to CNBC, Ukrinform reports.

Earlier this year, the company sent two of its Phantom MK-1 units to Ukraine for a pilot demonstration, marking what the company described as the first known deployment of humanoid robots in a combat theater.

The ongoing tests, backed by the U.S. government and conducted with Ukrainian officials, focused on logistics in hazardous areas.

"I'm convinced the technology is reaching a level where it can replace jobs that are dangerous for humans to perform, and if you can do that, it’s the highest net good you can create out of all applications of robotics," Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathaksaid.

According to Pathak, the MK-1 testing in Ukraine has already proved the robot's potential to perform supply pickups, which often expose soldiers to danger.

But while the MK-1s help demonstrate the utility of the core technology, they are far from super soldiers, carrying only about a 20-kg payload, and lacking waterproofing and sufficient battery life to be deployed at scale.

Foundation aims to send new and improved robots to Ukraine this year in the form of its Phantom 2, which Pathak says will come with "superhuman abilities" and double the payload capacity of Phantom 1.

Foundation expects its tests in Ukraine to inform future work with the U.S. military. The start-up has already received government research contracts totaling $24 million for feasibility testing in inspection, logistics, and weapons handling across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Pathak said conversations with government officials had shifted from research to how to scale the use of the robots. The CEO is aiming for Foundation to deploy its technology with the U.S. military and, if needed, on the front lines of conflicts within the next 12 to 18 months.

Photo: Foundation Future Industries