Phantom MK‑1 humanoids to Ukraine
The Foundation announced deployment of Phantom MK‑1 humanoids to Ukraine for combat testing in resupply and recon roles under about $24M in U.S. contracts, moving humanoids into contested operations. The field tests reflect rapid iteration on dual‑use platforms in wartime conditions. (x.com/roboticomarket/status/2035295382201409810)
Two Phantom MK‑1 units were shipped into Ukraine in February 2026 specifically to gather frontline performance and reliability data under real combat conditions. (time.com)) The platform measures about 175 cm tall, weighs roughly 79–80 kg, uses cycloidal actuators for joint torque and balance, and is rated to carry about a 20 kg payload while walking up to ~1.7 m/s. (thedefensenews.com)) Foundation holds an SBIR Phase 3 award that effectively qualifies it as an approved U.S. military vendor, a classification cited in reporting about the Phantom program. (time.com)) In controlled demonstrations the Phantom has been shown manipulating a revolver, semi‑automatic pistol, shotgun and an M‑16 replica, but company and field reporting say the units in Ukraine are not authorized to autonomously employ lethal force and are being used for reconnaissance and logistics evaluations. (thedefensenews.com)) Foundation is a San Francisco–based startup led by CEO Sankaet Pathak with co‑founder Mike LeBlanc, a 14‑year Marine Corps veteran who has publicly framed military use as a core application for the product. (techcrunch.com)) Company and press accounts say Phantoms are already undergoing trials in factories and dockyards and are slated for Marine Corps “methods of entry” training to test tasks like breaching procedures, with the Ukraine deployment intended to stress-test mobility, durability and operator workflows under fire. (time.com))
