Foundation Future Industries, a US humanoid-robotics start-up backed by Eric Trump, says it plans to equip its robots with lethal capabilities and is exploring weapons systems. The company is targeting military uses including combat, logistics, reconnaissance and inspection, reflecting wider interest in autonomous and semi-autonomous systems that could reduce risks to soldiers.

Founded in 2024, Foundation has tested its Phantom MK1 humanoid with Ukrainian forces and says it holds government contracts worth millions of dollars. However, WIRED reports that a claimed $24 million Pentagon contract appears unclear: the company identified contracts inherited through acquired firm Boardwalk Robotics and research partner IHMC, rather than independently won awards. Experts see potential for robots in dangerous tasks such as entering buildings, but caution that fully autonomous robot soldiers remain far from practical deployment.