Humanoid robots could patrol southern border, CEO pitches, as futuristic technology moves closer to reality
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Humanoid robots capable of autonomously navigating rugged terrain and detecting people could eventually join federal agents patrolling the southern border, with one U.S.
Key takeaways
- Humanoid robot shipments are surging, with Smart Analytics Global reporting roughly 19,100 units shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026—more than triple the volume a year earlier—and projecting full‑year deliveries near 60,000, potentially climbing to 500,000 by 2030.
- China dominates the market, accounting for about 97 % of H1 shipments, driven by extensive supply‑chain support, new tariff codes, export‑insurance policies and a wave of government programs for real‑scenario training.
- The sector’s most visible commercial players include Unitree Robotics, which shipped over 5,500 units in 2025, announced an IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market with a target valuation of roughly 61 billion yuan, and introduced a $16,000 G1 model that consumes only $82 a year in electricity.
- In industry settings, Xiaomi’s humanoid is already assembling components in its EV factory, AgiBot’s Elf G2 operates on a 3C production line, and StarDance’s M7 robot serves logistics centres for SF Express and China Post.
- New applications are also emerging: Tau Robotics is piloting a San Francisco household‑cleaning service with $30‑per‑hour humanoids, while Foundation’s “Phantom” robot is being pitched for autonomous border‑patrol duties, though no formal contracts exist yet.
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Humanoid robots capable of autonomously navigating rugged terrain and detecting people could eventually join federal agents patrolling the southern border, with one U.S. robotics company telling Fox News Digital it has already demonstrated the technology to Department of Homeland Security officials.
Sankaet Pathak, founder and CEO of Foundation, spoke with Fox News Digital to discuss the company's development of humanoid robotics and their potential applications at the border.
Pathak said Foundation is in talks with several national security agencies. "We're in conversations with almost all national security government bodies, so Air Force, Navy, Army, DHS," Pathak said. "We continue to have dialogues. We're starting to negotiate contracts and some applications for them."
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Photos of Sankaet Pathak, CEO and Founder of Foundation.
Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says the company’s Phantom humanoid robot could patrol rugged terrain and flag potential border crossings for federal agents. (Foundation)
A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that no formal arrangement is currently in place.
"The Department of Homeland Security currently does not have any non-contractual agreements, pilots, or active prime contracts with Foundation." Mitch Picasso By Mitch Picasso Fox News
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Humanoid robots could eventually help monitor southern border, Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says Video
Humanoid robots could eventually help monitor southern border, Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says
Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak says Phantom robots could eventually detect people, navigate uneven terrain and flag activity for federal border officers.
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