WHAT HAPPENED: The Pentagon has awarded a $24 million contract to Foundation Future Industries to develop and test humanoid robots for military use. The heavy-duty robots are designed to break into enemy sites, reduce the risk to American soldiers during military operations, and ensure the United States maintains a competitive edge against China. Notably, Eric Trump, son of President Donald J. Trump, is a chief strategy advisor at Foundation Future Industries.

DETAIL: Developed by Foundation Future Industries, the “Phantom” robots are built for fluid movement, physical strength, and adaptability to human environments. The company has developed the Phantom Mark 1, an early-production robot, and the Phantom Mark 2, a mass-manufacturing robot. Eric Trump emphasized the urgent need for the United States to win the technology race, citing significant strides in robotics by China.

KEY QUOTE: “We are America First. We have to win this race. The uses are unlimited, and I think it’s a very beautiful thing, but we must win this race.” – Eric Trump

IMPACT: The investment underscores the U.S. government’s focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain military superiority, and the readiness of the Pentagon to pay millions of dollars for the privilege.

FLASHBACK: Earlier this month, China held a robot marathon, in which long-distance humanoid robots broke world records in the half-marathon. Previously, China unveiled a short-distance humanoid robot that approached Olympic sprinting gold medalist Usain Bolt’s record-breaking average speed.