The Phantom MK-1, a humanoid robot developed by the company Foundation, is being designed as a potential AI-powered soldier capable of using the same weapons as human troops.

The company has already secured about $24 million in research contracts with the U.S. military and has begun testing the robots for tasks like reconnaissance, breaching operations, and possible frontline support.

Advocates say humanoid robots could reduce risk to human soldiers and operate in dangerous environments without fatigue or fear.

However, critics warn that autonomous or semi-autonomous weapons could lower the political barriers to war, blur responsibility for lethal decisions, and raise serious ethical concerns, Time.com has reported.

The development reflects a growing global arms race in AI-driven military technology, as countries and defense firms rapidly expand autonomous warfare capabilities.