A San Francisco startup, Foundation Future Industries, has deployed two Phantom MK-1 humanoid robots to Ukraine to test logistics in hazardous environments, marking the first known humanoid deployment in a combat theater.

The company aims to develop dual-use humanoid robots for heavy industry and military applications, with early prototypes tested in real combat conditions on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to inform potential U.S. military use.

Tests in Ukraine have focused on exploring logistics and supply tasks in dangerous settings, with plans to scale to frontline deployment and inform future capabilities for U.S. military testing within 12 to 18 months.

Foundation’s chief strategy adviser is Eric Trump, while the company publicly disclosed $24 million in Pentagon contracts across Army, Navy, and Air Force for feasibility testing in inspection, logistics, and weapons handling; critics have described these contracts as corruption in plain sight.

The Phantom MK-1 has limitations including a 20 kg payload, no waterproofing, and limited battery life, with an upgraded Phantom 2 planned to increase payload and capabilities.

The move reflects a broader trend of accelerating AI and robotics in military applications, raising questions about oversight, safety, and strategic advantage against competitors like China.

Pathak, Foundation’s CEO, previously led Synapse and has faced scrutiny over ties to General Motors; Foundation asserts its goal is to revitalize U.S. manufacturing.

Foundation plans an upgraded Phantom 2 with increased payload and what it calls “superhuman abilities,” aiming for front-line deployment with the U.S. military within 12 to 18 months.

The company envisions scaling production to thousands of units this year and delivering advanced robots to the U.S. military, while questions about autonomous lethal decision-making remain internationally unresolved.

Ukraine is viewed as a natural testing ground due to ongoing conflict, though U.S. and Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the trials.

CEO Sankaet Pathak asserts the technology can replace dangerous jobs and aims to scale production to thousands of units with frontline U.S. military testing planned within 18 months.

Experts caution about the cost, manufacturability, and ethics of humanoid robots in warfare, noting that rapid, cost-effective non-humanoid robots may be more practical, while some foresee broader adoption of autonomous platforms.