Key Takeaways:
The Pentagon is investing $24 million in humanoid robot development, awarding a contract to Foundation Future Industries to test its "Phantom" robots and directly counter China’s progress in autonomous systems. The deal provides a significant boost to the U.S. company, which counts Eric Trump as a chief strategy advisor, as it aims to secure an edge in a critical technology race.
"We are America First. We have to win this race," Eric Trump said in a "Mornings with Maria" interview on Thursday. Sankaet Pathak, the company's CEO, noted that while the U.S. maintains an advantage in air warfare, this contract is crucial for strengthening its readiness on land, where China has made significant strides.
The contract focuses on heavy-duty humanoid robots designed to breach enemy sites, a move intended to reduce risks to American military personnel. The current Phantom bot weighs 176 pounds and moves at 1.7 meters per second, designed for fluid motion in human environments. Pathak stated that the next version, Phantom 2, is expected to be "the strongest humanoid robot that exists anywhere in the world, including China."
The investment signals the Defense Department's growing focus on advanced robotics as a key area of military competition. For Foundation Future Industries, the $24 million contract provides critical validation and funding. The company also sees future applications for its technology in non-defense sectors like construction and disaster relief, suggesting a broader market opportunity beyond military contracts.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
