# US-Ukrainian humanoid combat robots

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/usukrainian-humanoid-combat-robots
> Updated: 2026-08-17T08:22:56.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4.

In mid-July 2026, U.S. startup Foundation Future Industries (renamed Foundation Robotics) began field trials of its Phantom MK-1 humanoid combat robot on the Ukrainian front. The 1.8 m, 80 kg platform, capable of carrying a 40 kg payload, performed logistical and reconnaissance tasks under human-operator control. CEO Sankaet Pathak stated the technology represents “the next stage of precise military actions,” aiming to reduce soldier exposure and civilian casualties.

A week later, the firm announced the Phantom MK-2, a fully autonomous combat-grade robot using AMD Ryzen AI Embedded X100 processors. Backed by DARPA, the MK-2 is intended for logistics, reconnaissance, and explosive-ordnance-disposal. The company secured a $24 million Department of Defense contract and plans to open a production facility in October 2026, scaling from 5,000 units per year to 50,000 by early 2027. Defense-grade models are priced at $300,000 each, while industrial versions are available for lease at approximately $100,000 annually.

By early August, Foundation highlighted that its platforms are also being developed for civilian uses like factory work and megacity construction, noting that defense applications remain a “small portion” of its portfolio. However, the company faced sharp criticism from the United Nations, the Catholic Church, and human-rights groups, who have called for an international ban on autonomous lethal weapons. Foundation maintains it is the only U.S. and European firm openly building such defense robots amid similar pursuits by China and Russia.

In mid-August, Foundation began pitching the Phantom robot to U.S. national security agencies for border surveillance and reconnaissance. While the company has demonstrated the technology to Department of Homeland Security officials, a DHS spokesperson stated there are currently no formal agreements or active contracts.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Foundation pitches humanoid robots for U.S. border surveillance

Robotics startup Foundation is pitching its Phantom humanoid robot to U.S. agencies for autonomous border surveillance and reconnaissance in rugged terrain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/foundation-pitches-humanoid-robots-for-us-border-surveillance

### 2026-08-02: Foundation Future Industries builds humanoid robot soldiers in the US amid global opposition

Foundation Future Industries, a US start‑up valued at $1 bn, is building humanoid robots for factories and warfare, prompting UN and Catholic Church calls for a ban on autonomous weapons.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/foundation-future-industries-builds-humanoid-robot-soldiers-in-the-us-amid-global-opposition

### 2026-07-25: Foundation Robotics Deploys AMD‑Powered Humanoid War Robots

Foundation Robotics' Phantom MK‑2 humanoid war robot will run on AMD AI processors, with DoD contracts and a planned 2026 factory aiming to produce thousands of units for Ukraine and future combat use.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/foundation-robotics-deploys-amdpowered-humanoid-war-robots

### 2026-07-18: Humanoid combat robots undergo first tests on Ukrainian front

U.S. startup Foundation Future Industries is testing its Phantom MK‑1 humanoid combat robot in Ukraine, conducting logistical and reconnaissance trials to reduce soldier exposure and offer precise AI‑guided war

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-firm-tests-combat-humanoid-robots-on-ukrainian-front

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Cite as: US-Ukrainian humanoid combat robots. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/usukrainian-humanoid-combat-robots