Stories
Physical AI and Robot Soldiers: How Humanoids Could Revolutionize Future Warfare
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CNBC TV18•30-09-2026, 21:03
Physical AI and Robot Soldiers: How Humanoids Could Revolutionize Future Warfare
- •Physical AI enables robots to perceive, understand, and act in the real world, moving beyond traditional AI chatbots.
- •Humanoid robots, like those developed by Foundation Robotics, are being explored for both civilian and defense applications, including potential battlefield use.
- •Current humanoid robots face challenges with basic tasks, power consumption, and environmental resilience, making them far from battlefield-ready soldiers.
- •Foundation Robotics aims to produce 40,000 Phantom units annually by late 2027, with long-term costs under $20,000 each, for tasks like supply collection and inspection.
- •The global robotics market is projected to grow significantly, with humanoid robot sales estimated to rise from $2 billion in 2025 to $300 billion by 2035.
Key Questions Answered
Foundation Robotics aims to produce at least 40,000 units a year by the end of 2027, with long-term costs expected to drop below $20,000 per unit.
Research cited by JPMorgan shows that the material cost of a typical humanoid robot using a China-based supply chain is around $46,000, compared to roughly $131,000 for a US-based supply chain.
Current humanoid robots struggle with basic tasks such as walking over uneven surfaces, recovering after a fall, and handling small objects. The first-generation Phantom weighs 80 kg, lacks a battery and weatherproofing, and cannot stand up independently after falling.
