US firm Foundation plans to build 50,000 humanoid robots by 2027

San Francisco-based robotics startup Foundation plans an ambitious production of up to 50,000 humanoid robots, called Phantom MK-1, by the end of 2027. These robots, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 175–180 pounds, are designed for both industrial and military applications, particularly combat-adjacent roles such as reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and high-risk ground operations. Foundation’s CEO Sankaet Pathak envisions these humanoids as the “first body in” during dangerous missions, potentially carrying lethal weapons while keeping human soldiers out of immediate harm’s way. The company aims to lease the robots at approximately $100,000 per year, highlighting potential cost savings through continuous operation and shift replacement, although these productivity claims have yet to be proven in real-world deployments. Foundation’s rapid scaling plan has evolved from an initial target of 10,000 units by 2026 to 50,000 by 2027, supported by acquisitions in AI