Eric Trump, the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is involved with a consulting firm that has secured a $24 million (approximately NT$756 million) contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to test a heavy humanoid robot called Phantom. This development comes as the company aims to enhance military capabilities, particularly in light of advancements made by other nations, including China.
According to Fox Business, the Phantom robot is designed to breach enemy targets and protect the lives of American soldiers. The CEO, Sankaet Pathak, and Eric Trump believe that this technology will help maintain the U.S. advantage on the battlefield. During an appearance on the Mornings with Maria show, Eric Trump emphasized the need to adopt an “America First” approach, stating, “We must win this race.” He described the uses of the Phantom robot as “limitless,” asserting its potential for significant impact.
Pathak noted that China is also developing similar technologies and has made considerable progress in ground and air-based autonomous operations. He stressed that while the U.S. retains its competitive edge in aerial combat, this contract aims to bolster ground combat capabilities. “You cannot build a utopia without defending it,” Pathak remarked, highlighting the importance of national security.
Eric Trump explained that his decision to invest in this company and the Phantom robot was driven by the competitive pressure to surpass China. He expressed confidence in the robots’ capabilities, having witnessed their operations firsthand, and believes they could reshape military strategies. The design of these robots balances strength with fluid movement, with the latest versions reportedly eliminating a “mechanical feel” to better integrate into “human environments.” The robots weigh around 80 kilograms and can move at speeds of up to 1.7 meters per second.
Pathak indicated that further technological advancements are underway, including the development of Phantom 2. He also mentioned the potential applications of these robots beyond national defense, such as in construction and disaster relief. “I believe the products we will launch in the coming months will be unprecedented in the market, and they will be the most powerful humanoid robots in the world, difficult for even China to match,” Pathak stated.
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