A humanoid robot designed exclusively for warfare has been developed by a California-based robotics company.
Foundation’s Phantom MK-1, is a robot that stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 175 lbs and capable of carrying loads up to 44 lbs.
Source: Foundation
According to its developers, the Phantom MK-1 is designed as a ground unit that serves as a first line of defense, performing tasks such as reconnaissance and bomb disposal, thus reducing the risk to human soldiers during high-risk missions.
The company explained that these robots will not be autonomous, but rather operated by humans who make the final determination of whether to fire a weapon or not. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) handles tasks such as path tracking and trajectory calculations.
The Phantom MK-1 mostly relies on cameras rather than lidar sensors. The robot’s movements are powered by the cycloid actuators, which enable the robot to move smoothly and quietly.
For more on the Phantom MK-1, visit the Foundation website.
