Robotics firm touts humanoid machines for future border surveillance missions

Foundation's founder and chief executive Sankaet Pathak told reporters that its humanoid robot, named Phantom, can autonomously traverse uneven ground, distinguish humans from obstacles and create environmental maps, making it suitable for border-area reconnaissance. He said the company is in discussions with several national-security bodies—such as the Air Force, Navy, Army and the Department of Homeland Security—and is beginning contract negotiations, although DHS officials noted that no formal arrangement or pilot program currently exists.

Pathak highlighted the robot's potential to monitor hard-to-reach terrain, including tunnels, and to provide 24-hour surveillance that would keep officers in safer positions. He added that a future version of Phantom will be waterproof, dust-proof and more durable for outdoor deployment. While the firm is open to arming the machines if the government requests it, Pathak stressed that any enforcement decisions would remain the responsibility of human agents.