Phantom MK1
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The Phantom MK1 is a robust humanoid robot engineered for industrial, warehouse, and defense applications, standing at human scale with advanced manipulation capabilities. Featuring proprietary cycloidal actuators that deliver high torque up to 160 Nm while remaining back-drivable for safe human interaction, it excels in precise grasping and tool use with 19 upper body degrees of freedom and five-fingered hands. Its camera-first vision system, powered by large language models, enables natural language commands like "pick that up" to translate into fluid whole-body motions without bulky LiDAR. Capable of 1.7 m/s walking speed, 20 kg payload, and near-24/7 operation, the Phantom MK1 navigates human environments seamlessly, handling assembly, inspections, logistics, and reconnaissance. Bipedal design with active balance supports rough terrain and confined spaces, prioritizing reliability, speed, and adaptability over gimmicks for real-world productivity.
Quick Overview & Key Facts
Phantom MK1 is a humanoid robot made by Foundation in United States, launched in 2025 and built for defense Logistics, reconnaissance, and urban Warfare Support. Its estimated price is USD 100,000 – 150,000 (Commercial Lease and Purchase Tiers). Featured in “Top 5 Humanoid Robots Being Developed for Defense, Security & First Responders in 2026”.
- Dimensions
- 175 x 50 x 40 (cm)
- Weight
- 80 kg (176 lbs)
- Mobility
- Legged (bipedal walking)
- Top speed
- 1.7 m/s (6.1 km/h)
- Handles
- Tools, packages, precision instruments, people interaction
- Battery runtime
- Up to 24 Hours
- Charging time
- 4 Hours (Industrial Fast-Charging Hub)
- Sensors
- Multi-camera Optical Vision Suite, IMU, Joint Torque Encoders, 3D Infrared (Lower Body)
- Operating environment
- Indoor, outdoor, both
What Can Phantom MK1 Do?
Core operational tasks and activities demonstrated or performed by Phantom MK1.
Real-World Applications of Phantom MK1
Industries, working environments, and deployment suitability for Phantom MK1.
Phantom MK1 Capabilities
Inherent physical, perceptual, and cognitive abilities built into Phantom MK1.
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Robot Specifications
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Robot Timeline
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Foundation unveils the Phantom MK1, a 175 cm, 80 kg humanoid with cycloidal actuators and camera-first perception, designed for both industrial and defense use.
Source: Humanoid.guide ↗
Foundation targets 10,000 Phantom MK-1 robots in 2026 and 50,000 by the end of 2027, leasing them at roughly $100,000 a year each.
Source: Interesting Engineering ↗
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q1. What is Phantom MK1, and what problem is it designed to solve?
Phantom MK1 is an upper-body focused humanoid robot developed by Foundation for telepresence and manipulation tasks in human environments. According to the manufacturer, it addresses needs in high-risk settings like industrial automation and defense by enabling precise control with reduced human exposure.
Q2. What are the main capabilities and key features of Phantom MK1?
The robot features proprietary cycloidal actuators for high torque and back-drivability, a camera-first perception system with large language models, and support for teleoperation. Foundation states it supports natural language commands translated into motions for tasks in unstructured spaces.
Q3. Who is Phantom MK1 built for, and which industries can benefit from it?
Foundation designs Phantom MK1 for operators in manufacturing, warehouses, and military reconnaissance. It targets sectors requiring reliable manipulation, such as assembly lines and bomb disposal, where human oversight integrates with robotic execution.
Q4. Is Phantom MK1 a commercial product or still a research prototype?
As of early 2026, Phantom MK1 is classified as a prototype undergoing factory pilots. The manufacturer reports initial deployments for testing in industrial and defense applications.
Q5. Is Phantom MK1 currently available for purchase, and when is it expected to ship?
Foundation has reported early units shipped for pilots, with pre-orders available through distributors. Shipping timelines follow fulfillment for commercial deployments targeted in 2026.
Q6. How does Phantom MK1 actually work in real-world environments?
It operates via teleoperation with VR headsets or LLM-driven commands, using eight high-resolution cameras for perception and cycloidal actuators for motion. In pilots, human operators provide oversight for tasks in factories and harsh settings.
Q7. When was Phantom MK1 announced or officially launched?
Foundation unveiled Phantom MK1 in 2025, with demonstrations at its San Francisco headquarters. Public pilots and early shipments followed announcements in late 2025 and early 2026.
Q8. How is Phantom MK1 different from other robots in the same category?
Unlike LiDAR-heavy humanoids, Phantom MK1 emphasizes a camera-first approach with fewer sensors for reliability. Its cycloidal actuators provide hydraulic-like torque with electric efficiency, focusing upper-body degrees of freedom on manipulation over full-body agility.
Q9. Does Phantom MK1 require additional development or customization after purchase?
Foundation indicates initial units support teleoperation and basic AI tasks, with plans for hardware upgrades like advanced hands. Customization aligns with specific deployments in manufacturing or defense.
Q10. What is the future roadmap or planned upgrades for Phantom MK1?
The company announced plans to scale production, enhance autonomy while keeping humans in the loop, and expand from pilots to broader applications. Upgrades target improved hands and operations in varied environments.
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