An AI-powered humanoid robot built for military deployment took on a different kind of stage last weekend, DJing at San Francisco's Temple Nightclub during an event called the GigaParty. The robot, named Phantom, was created by startup Foundation Robotics Lab and made its first public appearance at the club, according to SFGate.
The sleek black Phantom spun tech house beats for attendees at the networking event and club night, which was billed as celebrating the "first 25 years of the 21st century — and [glimpsing] the next 75!" Tickets ranged from $35 to $3,000. The robot's creators insist it uses he/him pronouns.
Foundation cofounder Mike LeBlanc, a 13-year Marine veteran, told SFGate that other robots in the Phantom line are currently being used by the U.S. military. He said Foundation is the only robotics company crafting "humanoids" for American national defense, a claim that cannot be independently verified. Companies like Boston Dynamics have explicitly prohibited the weaponization of their general-purpose robots.
"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 counting the Department of Defense as a major contractor, Foundation's humanoid robots are not currently in combat. LeBlanc said they are primarily used for aircraft maintenance and refueling in remote regions.
Phantom's club appearance was a departure from its usual duties. LeBlanc described it as a cultural diplomacy mission. "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."
The event offered a striking contrast: a military robot performing in a nightlife setting. While the novelty was clear, the GigaParty itself was described as a networking event, adding an unusual backdrop for the robot's debut.
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