Combat-Trained Robot Spins Tracks at San Francisco Club

Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to public reports and statements from Foundation Robotics Lab.

A humanoid robot originally built for military logistics took to the turntables in San Francisco over the weekend, marking its first public appearance in an unexpected setting. The Phantom robot, created by Foundation Robotics Lab, played a set of tech house tracks at Temple Nightclub during an event dubbed “GigaParty,” which celebrated the first 25 years of the 21st century and looked ahead to the next 75.

The event, which drew attendees with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $3,000, provided a stage for Phantom’s debut as a DJ. The robot, which its creators refer to with he/him pronouns, is part of a line that Foundation Robotics Lab is developing for the U.S. military. According to Mike LeBlanc, a cofounder of the startup and a 13-year Marine Corps veteran, other units in the Phantom series are already in use by the armed forces, primarily for aircraft maintenance and refueling in remote areas.

LeBlanc told SFGate that Foundation is the only robotics company currently producing humanoid robots for American national defense, a claim that could not be independently verified. He contrasted the company’s approach with that of other robotics firms, such as Boston Dynamics, which have publicly stated they will not weaponize their general-purpose machines. “We’re the opposite,” LeBlanc said. “We believe that humanoids are going to be critical to the future of warfare. Hence, designing robots that are bigger, faster, stronger.”

Despite its military backing, Phantom’s appearance at the club was not a combat mission but rather what LeBlanc described as a form of cultural outreach. “We are not trying to apologize for the strength of robots,” he said. “So for us, this is the perfect unveiling because this is what our robot is. This is a fun moment.”

From Battlefield to Dance Floor

The transition from military utility to nightlife entertainment may seem abrupt, but it reflects the growing versatility of humanoid robotics. While Phantom’s DJ set was a novelty, the underlying technology is designed for more serious tasks. The robot’s presence at a San Francisco networking event also underscores the city’s role as a hub for tech innovation, where even military-grade hardware can find its way into social settings.

The GigaParty, which combined a networking mixer with a club night, attracted a crowd willing to pay a wide range of admission fees. For many attendees, the chance to see a military robot perform as a DJ was likely a highlight, even if the event itself was described as “cringe-sounding” by some observers.

Foundation Robotics Lab’s focus on defense contracts sets it apart from other robotics companies that have avoided military applications. The startup’s willingness to embrace such partnerships has drawn attention, particularly as debates continue over the ethical use of autonomous systems in warfare. However, LeBlanc emphasized that Phantom is not currently deployed in combat roles, instead assisting with logistical tasks in challenging environments.

As robots become more integrated into daily life, their roles are expanding beyond factories and laboratories. Phantom’s DJ gig may be a one-off, but it highlights the potential for humanoid robots to engage with the public in ways that were once the stuff of science fiction.