Humanoid Robots Pitched to Patrol Southern Border
A U.S. robotics company says it is in advanced talks with federal agencies to deploy humanoid robots for border surveillance, though the Department of Homeland Security states no formal contract exists.
Sankaet Pathak, founder and CEO of Foundation, told Fox News Digital that his company has already demonstrated its humanoid robot technology to Department of Homeland Security officials and is now negotiating contracts for deployment.
The company is engaged in talks with multiple national security bodies including the Air Force, Navy, Army, and DHS, according to Pathak. However, a DHS spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that no formal arrangement currently exists, stating the department has no non-contractual agreements, pilots, or active prime contracts with Foundation at this time.
Humanoids to Fill Gaps Where Drones and Watchtowers Fall Short
Pathak outlined a vision in which Foundation’s Phantom robot would conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations in challenging border terrain that proves difficult for human agents, vehicles, aerial drones, or fixed camera systems to effectively monitor.
The executive questioned the limitations of current automated systems, asking why human personnel remain necessary at the border if existing technology like drones and watchtowers were sufficient. He argued that current automated solutions struggle with logistics and navigating complex terrain, adding that humanoid robots could bridge that operational gap effectively.
The Phantom robot is designed to distinguish humans from other obstacles, autonomously navigate uneven terrain, and map its surrounding environment. Foundation’s objective is for the machines to conduct reconnaissance functions autonomously before alerting human officers to potential illegal border crossings requiring intervention.
Underground Operations and 24/7 Surveillance Capabilities
Pathak also identified border tunnels as another application for the robotic technology, indicating Foundation would explore underground operations as part of its use case development.
The technology could enable officers to remain in safer positions while robots conduct continuous surveillance operations around the clock, he explained. The machines would flag significant activity and allow human personnel to respond only when direct intervention becomes necessary.
According to Pathak, Foundation could launch a pilot program immediately, with substantially larger-scale operations possible within the next several months.
Weather Resistance and Second-Generation Development
Weather resistance represents one of the primary limitations of the current Phantom model, Pathak acknowledged. However, a second-generation version expected to arrive in coming months is being engineered to be waterproof, dustproof, and considerably more rugged for outdoor deployment in harsh conditions.
While Foundation’s immediate focus centers on surveillance and reconnaissance functions, Pathak indicated the company would be prepared to equip robots with weapons for border operations if the federal government made such a request. He emphasized, however, that the machines are not designed to make enforcement decisions independently in the foreseeable future.
The robots will detect and flag potential threats, but human agents would determine appropriate response actions, Pathak clarified.
With information from New York Post
