The Foundation has donated two military robots to Ukraine. Where will they be used?
13 March 19:09
In February, the American company Foundation delivered two Phantom MK-1 humanoid soldier robots to Ukraine. This was reported by *Time* magazine, according to [Komersant]
It is noted that they are initially planned to be used to support reconnaissance on the front lines.
The Phantom MK-1 is a humanoid robot designed specifically for defense missions. It can use various types of small arms—from pistols and shotguns to M-16-type rifles.
Mike LeBlanc, co-founder of the Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, explains that the goal of the project is to create robots capable of performing combat functions in place of humans.
“We believe there is a moral imperative to send robots to war instead of soldiers,” he said.
According to him, the developers aim to ensure that the robot can use “any type of weapon that a human can use.”
According to Time, Foundation already has research contracts worth about $24 million with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. In particular, the robots are planned to be tested during U.S. Marine Corps exercises. They will be trained to place explosives on doors to help troops enter facilities more safely.
LeBlanc argues that humanoid soldiers are a natural extension of autonomous systems, such as drones. Compared to the risk to infantrymen’s lives, they could become a more sustainable alternative, offering greater restraint and precision.
According to him, on the front lines, soldiers are forced to remain in well-fortified positions but become particularly vulnerable to drone attacks when they leave cover.
“That is why humanoid robots can be used for resupply and reconnaissance, especially in places where drones cannot reach, such as low-lying bunkers or shelters.”
The developers also believe that humanoid robots can utilize existing military weaponry.
At the same time, it is argued that humanoid soldiers could lower the political and ethical barriers to starting conflicts, blur accountability for potential abuses, and further dehumanize war.
It is also noted that Pentagon protocols allow automated systems to engage in combat only after confirmation by a human operator, and Foundation states that it will adhere to this principle regarding the Phantom.
The article also discusses the drawbacks. Humanoid robots are heavy and expensive, require regular charging, and can break down. It is unclear how they will perform in mud, dust, or rain. The humanoid’s movements are powered by about 20 motors, each of which can fail even due to a minor malfunction.
