Humanoid Robots in Border Patrol

Potential Use of Humanoid Robots at the Border

Humanoid robots designed to navigate difficult terrain and identify individuals could soon be part of border patrol operations. A U.S. robotics company, Foundation, has presented its technology to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Discussions with National Security Agencies

Sankaet Pathak, CEO of Foundation, mentioned discussions are ongoing with various national security agencies, including the Air Force, Navy, Army, and DHS. Foundation is working towards contracts and applications to deploy their humanoid robotics technology.

“We’re in conversations with almost all national security government bodies, so Air Force, Navy, Army, DHS,” Pathak said.

A DHS spokesperson confirmed there are currently no formal contracts or agreements with Foundation.

Capabilities of the Phantom Robot

Pathak highlighted that the Phantom humanoid robot can perform reconnaissance and surveillance in challenging environments. It can autonomously traverse uneven terrain, identify humans, and map its surroundings. The company aims for these robots to perform such tasks autonomously before alerting human officers about potential border crossings.

“If drones and watchtowers were able to solve for everything, why do we still have humans at the border?” Pathak asked.

Foundation plans to release a more rugged version of Phantom soon. This model will have waterproof and dustproof features to enhance outdoor performance.

Future Applications and Challenges

Pathak identified weather resistance as a current limitation but acknowledged an upcoming model would address this. He also noted the potential for the robots to explore tunnels along the border. While the focus is on reconnaissance, Pathak stated that arming the robots could be considered if the government requests. However, decisions would still require human oversight, as the robots are not expected to make independent enforcement decisions soon.

“They will detect and then flag and then a human would decide kind of like what the next step it needs to be,” Pathak explained.