The USA plans to create 50,000 combat robots by 2027.

Development of Combat Robots in the USA

According to ТСН: Against the backdrop of unmanned ground systems primarily performing logistical tasks, the USA is actively exploring the possibility of creating fully-fledged humanoid combat robots that could partially replace military personnel.

The American defense startup Foundation Future Industries plans to adapt its technologies for the needs of the US Army. The company's CEO, Sanket Patak, noted that about 50,000 so-called 'combat drones' are expected to be produced by 2027.

According to Forbes, the company anticipates rapid production growth: from about 40 robots this year to 10,000 in 2026 and an additional 40,000 in 2027. The robot called Phantom was developed in 18 months, and some of these devices are already being used on partners' production sites, although specific tasks remain classified for now.

While the startup is also considering civilian applications, including robot rentals, the CEO believes that Phantom will be useful for military purposes as well. He even suggests that having up to 100,000 combat robots in the USA could deter wars before they begin, although this estimate is subject to debate.

Functions and Capabilities of the Robots

At the initial stage, humanoid robots will be able to perform routine and heavy tasks: working with loads, transporting them, and participating in reconnaissance missions. In the future, they are planned to be used directly on the battlefield—for example, for initial entries into buildings to assess situations or even with the potential to use firearms.

At the same time, developers acknowledge that in the near future, such systems will hardly have the right to make independent decisions about opening fire for ethical and security reasons.

The Phantom robot in its Mk1 version stands about 1.75 meters tall, weighs 80 kilograms, and can carry up to 20 kilograms of payload. For combat use, its design is planned to be improved, taking into account the vulnerability of the upper part of the body, where key control elements and computing systems are located.

In light of recent events in the defense industry, the development of humanoid combat robots may have a significant impact on military strategies and tactics. It is clear that technological innovations reflect new challenges in security and warfare, and their implementation could change the very nature of modern military service.