World Bank Urges Developing Nations to Embrace AI or Risk Being Left Behind

The Phantom MK-1 has the appearance of a futuristic battlefield machine. Built with a black steel exterior and a dark, tinted visor, the humanoid robot is designed to resemble a combat-ready soldier. During a recent demonstration, it was equipped with a variety of weapons, including a revolver, pistol, shotgun and a replica M-16 rifle.

According to Mike LeBlanc, a co-founder of Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, the company’s vision is to send robots into dangerous combat situations instead of human troops whenever possible. LeBlanc has said the long-term objective is for the Phantom to eventually operate any weapon that a human soldier can use.

Foundation is currently testing the Phantom MK-1 in industrial settings, including factories and shipping facilities in locations ranging from Atlanta to Singapore. The company describes the robot as the first humanoid platform developed specifically for defense applications. Foundation has also secured approximately $24 million in research contracts with the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, including an SBIR Phase III award that establishes the company as an approved military contractor. Additional testing is planned with the U.S. Marine Corps, where the robot will be evaluated for breaching operations by placing explosives on doors to help reduce risks to personnel.

Earlier this year, two Phantom robots were deployed to Ukraine to support frontline reconnaissance missions. Foundation is also preparing the platform for possible future combat-related testing with the Pentagon, which continues to examine how humanoid robotic systems could operate alongside military personnel in hazardous environments. In addition, LeBlanc has said the company has been in discussions with the Department of Homeland Security regarding the potential use of the Phantom for patrol operations along the U.S. southern border …..