At Robo Reliance, we live and breathe robotics. We don’t just repair and maintain robots—we study their evolution and track the trends that shape the industry. One of the biggest realities we see today? Military robots are not just inevitable—they’re already here.
If you think the U.S. and China are merely “considering” the development of military humanoid robots, think again. In our opinion, they’re building thousands of them right now. The competition for AI-driven, autonomous battlefield robots is already underway, and it’s escalating fast.
The Rise of the Robotic Soldier
Take the Phantom MK1, a humanoid robot just revealed by Foundation Robotics Labs in San Francisco. It’s designed for general-purpose applications, including military service. This robot isn’t just for show—it’s equipped with proprietary cycloid actuators, allowing it to perform with the strength and precision of hydraulic systems, all while operating with the efficiency of electric motors. It can lift 20 kg with ease and navigate dynamic environments with 360-degree situational awareness.
Now, if a startup is already creating a military-ready humanoid robot, imagine what governments are doing behind closed doors.
The U.S. and China are in an arms race—not just for missiles, drones, and AI-driven cyber warfare, but for autonomous combat robots. And let’s be real: These robots are being developed at a scale far beyond what’s being reported publicly.
The Technology is Ready—And So is the Industry
We’re seeing rapid advances in robotics simulation and control, closing the gap between virtual training and real-world execution. Carnegie Mellon and Nvidia have already developed a framework called ASAP (Aligning Simulation and Real Physics), which dramatically improves how robots learn and adapt from virtual environments to real-world conditions. This means military robots can now be trained in digital warzones before ever stepping foot on a battlefield.
We’ve also seen breakthroughs in whole-body movement control, allowing humanoid robots to sit, roll, stabilize, and move dynamically in unpredictable environments. This level of adaptability makes them prime candidates for military applications.
Why the Military is All In
Why are governments investing billions into military robots? The reasons are obvious:
- Human lives are expensive—robots aren’t. Why send soldiers into battle when robots can take the risk?
- Robots don’t get tired, scared, or disobey orders. They can operate 24/7, in any conditions, without hesitation.
- AI-powered warfare is the future. The more AI-driven combat units a country has, the greater its strategic advantage.
- Speed of innovation. The private sector is already developing humanoid robots—governments are simply weaponizing them.
At Robo Reliance, we’re not in the business of building war machines. Our mission is simple: We Keep Robots Running. We focus on maintaining the robots that improve lives, help businesses, and drive innovation.
But let’s not be naïve. The AI arms race is happening whether we like it or not. The technology is already here, and the world’s most powerful nations are investing massive resources to make sure they stay ahead.
The Bottom Line
The next phase of warfare won’t be fought with just tanks and drones—it’ll be fought with legions of AI-powered humanoid robots. The U.S. and China know this, and in our opinion, they're already manufacturing them in numbers that will shock the world when finally revealed.
At Robo Reliance, we’re preparing for a future where humanoid robots are part of everyday life. Whether that’s in homes, businesses, or battlefields—we’ll be ready to keep them running.
Steve Urban
Founder & CEO, Robo Reliance
📍 We Keep Robots Running