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Foundation Robotics Secures $24 M, Tests Phantom Robot in Ukraine

6/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Foundation Robotics CEO Sankaet Pathak is developing the Phantom robot with $24 million U.S. contracts and testing in Ukraine.
The firm aims to produce 40,000 units annually by end-2027 at under $20,000 each.
MK-1 lacks battery, waterproofing, self-righting and strong hands, while MK-2 will add six-hour battery, fall recovery and weapon-compatible wrists.
Pathak says humans must approve lethal force, though autonomous fire is allowed, prompting activist Nicole van Rooijen to urge rules.

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Story summary

Foundation Robotics CEO Sankaet Pathak is developing the Phantom robot with $24 million U.S. contracts and testing in Ukraine.
The firm aims to produce 40,000 units annually by end-2027 at under $20,000 each.
MK-1 lacks battery, waterproofing, self-righting and strong hands, while MK-2 will add six-hour battery, fall recovery and weapon-compatible wrists.
Pathak says humans must approve lethal force, though autonomous fire is allowed, prompting activist Nicole van Rooijen to urge rules.