Startup Backed by Eric Trump Plans to Deploy Combat Humanoid Robots

Foundation Future Industries, a robotics startup with high-profile backing from Eric Trump, has set its sights on an ambitious goal: building humanoid robots equipped for military combat. The company plans to arm its robots with lethal capabilities in the coming months, marking an unconventional entry into a field where competitors typically focus on civilian applications like clothing folding or workplace automation.

The Military Ambition#

CEO Sankaet Pathak revealed that his team is exploring "kinetic things"—a reference to weapons systems—and plans to announce new capabilities within weeks. Beyond combat operations, Foundation positions its Phantom MK1 robot for roles in logistics, reconnaissance, and battlefield inspection. The company has already tested its machines with Ukrainian forces, offering a real-world proving ground for technology.

Government interest in such systems runs deep. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funded substantial humanoid research competitions a decade ago, while the Army's xTechHumanoids program now actively supports development of militarized robot technologies. Around the globe, militaries are racing to integrate autonomous and semi-autonomous systems—from aerial drones to legged platforms—that can navigate rough terrain and handle tasks currently performed by human soldiers.

Money and Muscle Behind the Project#

Foundation has secured millions in government contracts and draws support from prominent backers. Eric Trump, son of the former president, serves as both an investor and chief strategy adviser. During an April appearance on Fox Business, Trump highlighted the robots' capabilities, describing their interactions with humans and predicting broad applications across military, industrial, and hospitality sectors.

The company, founded in 2024, grew through the acquisition of Boardwalk Robotics, which maintained close ties to the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), a Florida-based nonprofit focused on humanoid development. While Eric Trump's TV segment referenced a "$24 million Pentagon contract," the reality appears more modest: Foundation inherited its government deals largely through these acquisitions rather than securing new independent funding from the government.

The Reality Check#

Despite the momentum, robotics experts urge caution about near-term battlefield deployment. Progress in humanoids has accelerated thanks to advances in motors, sensors, and AI—machines can now perform complex dynamic movements like parkour. However, fundamental challenges remain unsolved.