Sankaet Pathak, founder and CEO of Foundation Robotics, told Fox News Digital that his company has developed a humanoid robot called Phantom capable of autonomously navigating rugged terrain and detecting people. The company has demonstrated the technology to Department of Homeland Security officials and says it is in talks with multiple national security agencies including DHS, the Air Force, Navy, and Army.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed discussions have occurred but stated no formal arrangement currently exists. "The Department of Homeland Security currently does not have any non-contractual agreements, pilots, or active prime contracts with Foundation," the spokesperson said.
What the Left Is Saying
Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about expanding automated surveillance at the border. The American Civil Liberties Union has previously argued that increased technological monitoring raises questions about privacy rights and due process for migrants seeking asylum. Immigration attorneys have noted that any robotic systems deployed must be programmed to respect international protections for those fleeing persecution.
"Technology deployed at the border needs robust oversight mechanisms," said an ACLU spokesperson in a statement shared with reporters. "Automated systems can assist human agents, but they cannot replace human judgment on decisions that affect people's fundamental rights."
Democratic lawmakers have also weighed in. Senator Alex Padilla of California, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has previously stated that border security technology must be paired with humanitarian safeguards. His office noted in a prior statement that "any investment in border surveillance should include independent monitoring to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with asylum law."
What the Right Is Saying
Border security advocates have welcomed the potential deployment of humanoid robots as a force multiplier for stretched Border Patrol agents. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office pointed to his state's investments in autonomous surveillance technology as evidence that robotics can enhance detection capabilities in remote areas.
"Our border communities need every tool available to stop illegal crossings," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a statement supporting expanded technological deployment. "Robots that can operate where humans and vehicles cannot reach are exactly the kind of innovation we should be embracing."
Conservative commentators have argued the technology addresses longstanding challenges with terrain coverage. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has long advocated for increased use of technology at the border. "Drones and cameras can't cover everything," Cotton said in a floor speech last year. "Robotic systems that can patrol continuously offer us a way to close gaps without putting agents in harm's way."
What the Numbers Show
Border statistics show significant shifts under current enforcement approaches. According to Customs and Border Protection data, border apprehensions have declined substantially over recent months. The Trump administration has noted 15 consecutive months with zero "catch-and-release" policy implementations, as officials shifted to detention or rapid removal protocols.
CBP reported approximately 46,000 encounters in the most recent monthly report, down from peaks above 250,000 monthly encounters during previous administrations. However, migration patterns fluctuate seasonally and with conditions in Central American countries.
Foundation Robotics has raised an undisclosed amount in venture capital funding. The company did not specify its valuation or contract values being discussed with federal agencies. Pathak said the second-generation Phantom model is expected to be waterproof and dustproof for outdoor deployment within the coming months.
The Bottom Line
The proposal remains in early stages, with DHS confirming no active contracts or pilot programs currently exist with Foundation Robotics. Pathak said a limited pilot could theoretically begin "tomorrow," though larger deployments would take additional months of development and contracting processes.
If deployed, the robots would operate in a support role rather than making independent enforcement decisions. Pathak specified that Phantom would detect and flag activity for human officers to evaluate and respond as they determine appropriate. He noted the company is willing to equip robots with weapons if requested but emphasized autonomous decision-making on use of force is not part of the near-term design.
Critics will likely continue monitoring whether any eventual deployment includes adequate civilian oversight mechanisms, while supporters argue the technology offers a way to extend surveillance coverage without additional human personnel in hazardous terrain. What happens next depends largely on whether Foundation can secure formal contracting agreements and how quickly the second-generation model proves reliable enough for field conditions.