Two humanoid soldier robots delivered to Ukraine by US company – Time
It has emerged that Foundation, a San Francisco-based US company, handed over two Phantom MK-1 humanoid soldier robots to Ukraine in February.
Source: Time
Details: Time reported that the two robots had been sent to Ukraine initially for frontline reconnaissance support.
The Phantom MK-1 is a humanoid robot specifically designed for defence applications. It can operate a variety of small arms – from pistols and shotguns to M-16 rifles.
Mike LeBlanc, co-founder of Foundation and a US Marine Corps veteran, explains that the aim of the project is to create robots capable of performing combat functions in place of humans.
"We think there's a moral imperative to put these robots into war instead of soldiers," he said.
He said the developers aim for the robot to be able to use "any kind of weapon that a human can".
Time reports that Foundation already holds research contracts worth around US$24 million with the US Army, Navy and Air Force. The robots are planned to be tested during the US Marine Corps exercises. They will be trained to place explosives on doors to help troops breach sites more safely.
LeBlanc asserts that humanoid soldiers are a natural extension of autonomous systems, such as drones. Compared with the risk to infantry lives, they could provide a more resilient alternative, offering greater restraint and precision.
He adds that soldiers on the front line are forced to stay in well-fortified positions but become especially vulnerable to drone attacks when leaving cover.
This is why humanoid robots could be used to resupply troops and conduct reconnaissance, particularly in areas inaccessible to drones, such as low bunkers or shelters.
Its developers also say humanoid soldiers can use existing weapons, avoiding the need for robots that require specially designed equipment.
Meanwhile, it is suggested that humanoid soldiers may lower political and ethical barriers to initiating conflicts, blur accountability for potential abuses and further dehumanise warfare.
It is also noted that Pentagon protocols only allow automated systems to engage in combat after human operator confirmation, and Foundation states that it will adhere to this principle for the Phantom.
Time also highlights the drawbacks. Humanoid robots are heavy and expensive, require regular charging and can break down. It is unclear how they will perform in mud, dust or rain. The robot's movements rely on around 20 motors, each of which could fail due to even a minor malfunction.
Background: German company Cerberon Defence Systems plans to accelerate drone production using specially designed robotic testing systems. Currently, after assembly, drones are often tested by human pilots conducting trial flights. This stage is intended to be replaced by automated industrial End-of-Line Test robots.
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