Since our last publication, which indicated a goal of 10,000 units by 2026, the production intentions of the Foundation company have significantly expanded. According to Forbes, Pathak intends to deploy 40 robots this year, with plans to increase their number to 10,000 by 2026, aiming to reach 50,000 by the end of 2027.
Recently, news emerged about the development of the combat robot Phantom MK-1, and the plans to produce 50,000 units over two years seem quite ambitious. Pathak acknowledges the optimism of such timelines, explaining it by the successful integration of AI and drive technologies, which has significantly reduced development time. A crucial role was also played by a team of former employees from Tesla, Boston Dynamics, SpaceX, and 1X, particularly the head of production, who previously worked on scaling production for the Tesla Model X and Model Y, creating a strategy to prevent excessive automation in the early stages.
To simplify information processing, the engineers of Phantom MK-1 have abandoned the use of lidars and focused on regular cameras, which should enhance the robot's reliability in challenging conditions. Drives with cycloidal reducers provide strength, quiet operation, and the ability to move backward. Additionally, various weapons can be mounted instead of upper limbs.
The Foundation company plans to rent out its robots for approximately $100,000 per year. Pathak emphasized that Phantom will not be fully autonomous weaponry. The decision to use lethal force will remain with humans, as is already the case with combat drones. Mechanical soldiers will be capable of performing precise ground operations, which will reduce reliance on airstrikes and heavy weaponry, as well as minimize collateral damage.
However, Forbes points out the possibility of an opposite effect. The elimination of risk for soldiers may lead politicians to make decisions about the use of military force more easily, which could make military conflicts more likely.
