Will humanoid robots become superhuman soldiers?

A San Francisco–based robotics startup, Foundation, is in discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense, aiming for its humanoid robot, Phantom MK1, to assist or even replace soldiers in dangerous missions. The company has already secured about $10 million in government contracts and plans to enable the robot to operate around the clock within the coming months.

Phantom MK1 can learn skills through various defense-related applications, such as maintaining and refueling aircraft or breaching obstacles in combat zones. It stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 176 pounds, features eight cameras on its head, supports a continuous payload of 44 pounds, and can handle up to 80 pounds at maximum.

Foundatio was founded by Sankaet Pathak, former CEO of the fintech company Synapse, along with former U.S. Marine Mike LeBlanc.