F

Foundation

Develops general-purpose humanoid robots for automation

Robotics Build Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/20/2026
No salary listed
Entry, Junior
Bachelor's, Master's
San Francisco, CA, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsProduct Assembly

About the job

Requirements
  • Experience building humanoid robots or complex hardware systems through professional experience, internships, research labs, or academic projects.
  • Experience with computer-aided design tools such as SolidWorks or Onshape.
  • Familiarity with version control or basic hardware documentation practices.
  • Experience with robotics hardware such as actuators, sensors, harnesses, motors, and printed circuit boards.
  • Hands-on experience assembling, testing, or debugging mechanical or electromechanical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and wiring diagrams.
  • Familiarity with mechanical and electrical tools such as torque drivers, soldering equipment, and multimeters.
  • Exposure to hardware testing, validation, or laboratory environments.
  • Willingness and ability to support long hours, including weekends when needed.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field, or significant relevant professional experience in lieu of an engineering degree.
  • Open to engineering candidates with strong internships or co-ops, 1–2 years of total professional experience, or additional hands-on experience.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative setting.
Responsibilities
  • Assemble and test humanoid robotic subsystems and complete systems through final integration and bring-up with precision and care.
  • Interpret and contribute to mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions.
  • Identify build challenges and provide feedback to improve designs and processes.
  • Support rapid prototyping, iteration, and hardware validation.
  • Create documentation such as work instructions, bills of materials, and test procedures.
  • Troubleshoot hardware and electromechanical issues during assembly and testing.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe build environment.
  • Partner with supply chain and operations teams to evaluate components and materials.

About the company

F

Foundation

View
Website

Foundation Robotics Labs builds general-purpose humanoid robots for industrial automation to help manufacturers overcome labor shortages. Their main product, the Phantom, is a humanoid robot designed to work in challenging factory settings and automate tasks typically done by humans. The system relies on a hybrid AI approach combined with a physics-action model, enabling the robot to operate in dynamic, real-world environments. The company has run pilot programs across various industries—such as consumer goods, beverages, and glass production—to demonstrate performance at large industrial sites. Compared with competitors, Foundation emphasizes general-purpose, adaptable robots tailored for broad industrial use and offers deployment at scale (potentially via a robotics-as-a-service model) to address labor challenges in manufacturing. The overarching goal is to increase efficiency and productivity by replacing or augmenting human labor in complex manufacturing environments.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$11M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2024

Get referred to Foundation

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 2026 AMD partnership improves compute supply and hardens Phantom MK-2 development.
  • Reuters reported October 2026 factory plans for 5,000 annual robots, then 50,000 next year.
  • Foundation says Phantom units built 24,000 cars in 2025, proving commercial demand.

What critics are saying

  • WIRED and Reuters exposed $24 million Pentagon claims tied to inherited contracts, not new wins.
  • Synapse's 2024 bankruptcy follows CEO Sankaet Pathak into every fundraising and procurement discussion.
  • Any civilian injury or failed weapons test destroys Foundation's defense thesis and triggers contract freezes.

What makes Foundation unique

  • July 23, 2026: Foundation chose AMD Ryzen AI Embedded X100 for Phantom MK-2.
  • Foundation targets factories and battlefields, unlike consumer-focused humanoid rivals such as Figure and Agility.
  • Its Phantom robots already operate in customer deployments and Ukraine logistics trials.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

9%

2 year growth

9%
Castle Placement
Oct 8th, 2026
Top 10 Consumer Durables capital raises and investors in the U.S. - september 1st to 30th, 2026.

Top 10 Consumer Durables capital raises and investors in the U.S. - september 1st to 30th, 2026. Several interesting transactions closed in the Consumer Durables sector over the past month. If you would like more info on these deals or would like to discuss the capital raising market for your company, please contact me. PE Growth/Expansion * * Delta Faucet, plumbing fixtures for residential and commercial water delivery, received a development capital from Iconic Private Equity Partners. * * Hybrid Power Solutions, Canadian clean energy company that specializes in producing, developing, and installing direct-to-consumer clean technology products such as portable power packs and stationary energy storage, received $617,500 of development capital. Buyout/LBO * * Ergocentric, ergonomic office furniture that improves workplace health and productivity, was acquired by Flokk, via its financials sponsor Triton Partners, through an LBO. Merger/Acquisition * * Crystal Light and Sound, healing crystals built for spiritual wellness and meditation that offers quartz crystal wands, crystal singing bowls, pendulums, gemstone jewelry, crystal beds, and spiritual accessories, enabling individuals and energy healers to acquire handcrafted healing tools precisely tuned to specific frequencies for metaphysical applications, was acquired by Mr. Isaac James Ipsen. Later Stage VC * * Particula, smart connected toys and products that offers a fun and interactive experience, raised $15 million of venture funding in a deal led by Elah Fund. * Arovia, portable screens that gives easy connectivity and accessibility, raised $1.01 million of venture funding from GOOSE Capital, Gaingels and Stony Lonesome Group. Early Stage VC * * Foundation Robotics Labs, humanoid robotics company intended to handle complex tasks in real-world settings like factories, warehouses, and maybe even homes, raised $100 million of Series A2 venture funding from The Veteran Fund and Gaingels. * Quartermaster, a distributed maritime sensor network that provides real-time ocean intelligence and visibility, raised $140 million of Series B venture funding through a combination of debt and equity. Angel (individual) * * Jittmer, golf accessories thaat makes golf convenient and offers a magnetic, push-to-dispense ball-and-tee holder designed to keep rounds moving and the cart organized, enabling users to keep balls and tees ready on the cart and enjoy golf conveniently, raised $28,156 of product crowdfunding via Kickstarter. Seed Round * * Universal Edge Technologies, liquid-cooled AI infrastructure that deploys datacenter-class GPU compute in outdoor and off-grid environments, raised $2.91 million of seed funding. #castleplacement #capitalraising #privateequity #venturecapital #investment #consumerdurables Raheem suleman. Managing director. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss your capital raise: (C)(646) 852-8007 Send Castle Placement a message: Sources: Information on this page was derived from a variety of sources including Bloomberg, Company Websites, Crunchbase, PitchBook and other news outlets. Castle Placement(R) does not warrant or guarantee this information, nor makes any representations as to the accuracy of the information. For more Risks, see CPGO Risks and Disclaimers. 0 Comments

CNBC TV18
Oct 1st, 2026
Physical AI and robot soldiers: How humanoids could change future warfare.

Physical AI and robot soldiers: How humanoids could change future warfare. Humanoid robots are moving from labs and factories into defence research, but major hurdles remain around autonomy, power, durability and cost before they can operate effectively in combat. By CNBCTV18.com September 30, 2026, 9:03:46 PM IST (Published) Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to chatbots that answer questions, write emails or create images. The next big step could be robots that can see, understand and act in the real world, known as physical AI. Humanoid robots are one example. These robots have two arms, two legs and hands like humans. While many companies are building them for factories and other jobs with limited human control, some are exploring how the same technology could eventually be used on battlefields. What is physical AI? Physical AI can act in the real world. For example, imagine telling a robot: "Pick up that box and take it to the other room." A normal AI chatbot can understand the sentence and tell you what to do. A physical AI system would do it like humans, such as picking up the box, walking around obstacles and putting it in the right place. AI systems operating in the real world are a little tough because if a robot misunderstands its surroundings, it could crash into something, damage equipment or hurt someone. Current humanoids still struggle with basic tasks such as walking over uneven surfaces, opening doors, handling small objects and recovering after a fall. How could physical AI be used on the battlefield? US-based Foundation Robotics, for example, is developing a humanoid robot called Phantom for both civilian and defence applications. The company's first-generation Phantom can walk and manipulate objects, but it is nowhere near being a battlefield-ready soldier. The machine weighs about 80 kg, does not currently have a battery, is not dust- or waterproof and cannot get itself back up after falling. The company is developing a second-generation model that it says will have a battery capable of around six hours of operation, better protection from the elements and the ability to recover from a fall. Foundation has said it is working towards making the robot capable of tasks such as collecting supplies, inspecting dangerous areas, recovering equipment and helping with casualty recovery. "Foundation's goal is to produce at least 40,000 units a year by the end of 2027 with costs in the long term less than $20,000 each," Sankaet Pathak, co-founder and CEO of two-year-old start-up Foundation Robotics, told the BBC. Could humanoid robots actually fight wars? Experts quoted in the BBC report say today's humanoids are still far from being capable battlefield machines. "If there was a war in Taiwan today, the likelihood that China is going to militarise these humanoids and fight effectively is fanciful, said Dean Fankhauser at Robozaps, a humanoid robotics advisory firm. Robert Griffin, who works on humanoid robotics at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, points to situations that appear simple to humans but are extremely difficult for autonomous machines. Another problem is power. Walking and constantly moving robotic joints consume a lot of energy. Even six hours of operation would be considered a lot of an achievement. Companies are now training these systems using videos, simulations, games and data collected directly from robots. How much does a humanoid robot cost? According to Morgan Stanley research cited by JPMorgan, the estimated material cost of a typical humanoid robot using a China-based supply chain was around $46,000, compared with about $131,000 for a US-based supply chain. How fast is the robotics market growing? JPMorgan Private Bank, citing estimates from several research firms, said the global robotics market could potentially grow from around $100 billion in annual sales in 2025 to $2.5 trillion by 2035. Humanoid robot sales are projected in one estimate to rise from around $2 billion in 2025 to roughly $300 billion by 2035.

Blockchain News
Aug 18th, 2026
Phantom MK1 training achieves 100x speed.

Phantom MK1 training achieves 100x speed. According to AINewsOfficial, Foundation's AI trains Phantom MK1 100x faster, while Arkshel's MX01 shifts humanoid to quadruped and flies. Analysis. Foundation has introduced an advanced AI training system for its Phantom MK1 robot that accelerates learning by 100 times compared to conventional approaches, while Arkshel has launched the MX01 humanoid capable of shape-shifting into a quadruped and achieving flight, as reported in recent industry updates from AI News. Key takeaways. * Foundation's AI training breakthrough enables rapid skill acquisition for the Phantom MK1, reducing development timelines dramatically for robotics applications. * Arkshel's MX01 demonstrates innovative multimodal mobility, combining humanoid dexterity with quadruped stability and aerial capabilities to expand operational versatility across environments. * These developments signal growing market momentum in adaptive robotics, opening new avenues for automation in logistics, inspection, and emergency response sectors. Deep dive into AI training innovations. The AI training system from Foundation targets core challenges in robot learning by optimizing data efficiency and simulation fidelity. This approach allows the Phantom MK1 to master complex tasks through accelerated reinforcement learning cycles without extensive physical trials. Industry observers note that such speed gains directly address the high costs associated with traditional robot programming, making advanced automation more accessible to mid-sized manufacturers. Technical implications for humanoid platforms. By focusing on scalable neural network architectures, the system supports iterative improvements that transfer seamlessly from simulation to real-world deployment. This reduces the typical months-long training periods to days, fostering faster iteration on behaviors like object manipulation and navigation. Business impact and opportunities. Companies adopting these technologies can monetize through enhanced productivity in warehouses and assembly lines where rapid robot redeployment becomes feasible. Implementation involves integrating the training framework with existing sensor suites, though challenges like data privacy and hardware compatibility require phased rollouts with pilot programs. Key players in the sector are likely to form partnerships to leverage these efficiencies, creating subscription-based training services as a recurring revenue stream. Regulatory considerations include compliance with emerging AI safety standards for autonomous systems, emphasizing transparent decision-making processes. Ethical best practices stress human oversight during initial deployments to mitigate risks of unintended actions in dynamic settings. Future outlook. Looking ahead, these robotic advancements point toward hybrid platforms that adapt fluidly to diverse terrains and missions, potentially disrupting traditional industrial robotics markets dominated by fixed-arm systems. Competitive landscapes will intensify as startups and established firms race to commercialize similar multimodal designs, with predictions centering on widespread adoption in hazardous environments by the end of the decade. Frequently asked questions. What makes Foundation's training system 100 times faster? The system leverages optimized simulation environments and efficient learning algorithms to compress traditional training timelines significantly for the Phantom MK1. How does the MX01 transform between modes? Arkshel engineered the MX01 with modular actuators allowing seamless shifts from bipedal to quadrupedal and flight configurations for enhanced mobility. What industries benefit most from these robots? Logistics, infrastructure inspection, and disaster response stand to gain from faster training and versatile movement capabilities. Are there regulatory hurdles for these technologies? Yes, developers must navigate AI ethics guidelines and safety certifications to ensure responsible deployment in commercial settings. AI News. This channel delivers the latest developments in artificial intelligence, featuring breakthroughs in AI research, new model releases, and industry applications. It covers a wide spectrum from machine learning advancements to real-world AI implementations across different sectors.

Robles AI
Aug 16th, 2026
Humanoid robots and the future of autonomous border patrol.

Humanoid robots and the future of autonomous border patrol. Published By: Antonio Robles Robles.AI Build AI That Earns Trust. AI Assistant: Max Vector Navigating tomorrow, today. August 16, 2026 at 02:00 AM PDT robotics transportation autonomous vehicles Table of contents. Humanoid robots at the border. In a bold vision of the future, Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak has proposed deploying humanoid robots for border patrol duties along the southern border of the United States. These robots, named Phantom, are designed to autonomously navigate rugged terrains and detect human presence, potentially revolutionizing border security operations. Pathak revealed to Fox News Digital that Foundation has engaged in discussions with several national security agencies including the Air Force, Navy, Army, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Despite the ongoing dialogues, the DHS has clarified that no formal agreements or contracts have been established with Foundation as of now. The technical prowess of the Phantom robots lies in their ability to autonomously traverse uneven terrains while distinguishing humans from other obstacles in their path. The robots are equipped with sophisticated mapping technologies that allow them to map their environment and conduct reconnaissance operations. Foundation's ultimate goal is to enable these robots to autonomously conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, subsequently flagging potential border crossings to human officers. This approach aims to fill the gap left by existing automated solutions like drones and watchtowers, which struggle with complex terrains and logistics. The introduction of humanoid robots into border security could significantly impact the industry by reducing the reliance on human patrols and enhancing the efficiency of surveillance operations. The deployment of these robots could lead to a safer working environment for border officers, as they can remain in secure locations while the robots handle reconnaissance tasks. Moreover, Foundation plans to release a more rugged version of the Phantom robot, featuring waterproof and dustproof capabilities, in the coming months. This development could further solidify the role of robotics in national security. From an editorial perspective, the integration of humanoid robots into border security reflects a broader trend towards automation and the use of advanced technologies in public safety. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to transform the landscape of national security operations, offering new solutions to longstanding challenges. However, the ethical and practical implications of such deployments must be carefully considered to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and effectively. ComfortDelGro's transformation beyond taxis. ComfortDelGro, Singapore's largest taxi operator, is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of CEO Cheng Siak Kian. In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times, Cheng outlined the company's strategy to diversify its offerings beyond traditional taxi services. The company is expanding its pool of private-hire drivers and exploring new service models to meet consumer and business demands both locally and internationally. This strategic shift comes in response to declining profits in its taxi and private-hire business, as competition intensifies and cost pressures mount. Technically, ComfortDelGro is enhancing its technological infrastructure to support its diversification strategy. The company has introduced larger taxis like the Toyota Noah Hybrid 6-seater and is upgrading its Zig app to offer more attractive fares to drivers and customers. By growing its network of private-hire drivers by 27.9% to over 4,000, ComfortDelGro aims to reduce waiting times and better meet peak-hour demand. Additionally, the company is pivoting towards enterprise-level services, such as providing transportation for passengers with mobility challenges and long-term contracts for school transport. The implications of ComfortDelGro's diversification strategy are significant for the transportation industry. By reducing its reliance on traditional taxi services, the company is positioning itself to capture new market opportunities and mitigate the impact of competitive pressures. ComfortDelGro's expansion into non-emergency ambulances, buses, and trains further underscores its commitment to building a multi-modal transport network. This approach aligns with global trends towards integrated transportation solutions and reflects the growing importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. From my perspective, ComfortDelGro's strategic transformation is a forward-thinking move that highlights the necessity for traditional transport operators to innovate and adapt in an increasingly competitive landscape. As the company explores autonomous vehicle technologies and expands its global footprint, it is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving transportation sector. Electric air taxis: A new era in mobility. The electric air taxi sector is experiencing a dynamic shift, as evidenced by recent developments involving Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation. Archer Aviation has acquired Wisk Aero, a former rival, in a strategic move that grants Boeing a 16.5% stake in the company. This acquisition marks a turning point for Archer, which had previously been embroiled in a legal battle with Wisk over allegations of intellectual property theft. The settlement not only resolves the lawsuit but also paves the way for collaboration between the two companies in advancing eVTOL technology. The technical foundation of electric air taxis lies in their ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations, which are powered by electric propulsion systems. Archer's acquisition of Wisk Aero, along with other subsidiaries like SkyGrid and Insitu, enhances its capabilities in digital airspace management and drone manufacturing. Meanwhile, Joby Aviation's acquisition of Resonant Sciences for $500 million highlights its strategic entry into the defense sector. By integrating radio frequency and sensor systems, Joby aims to expand its market reach while continuing to develop urban air taxis. The implications of these developments are profound for the eVTOL industry. As companies like Archer and Joby solidify their positions through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, they are poised to accelerate the commercialization of electric air taxis. This trend reflects a broader industry shift towards consolidation and diversification, as companies seek to overcome regulatory challenges and secure near-term revenue streams. The defense sector, in particular, presents a lucrative opportunity for eVTOL developers, offering a new avenue for growth and innovation. Reflecting on these trends, the convergence of electric propulsion, advanced aerodynamics, and digital airspace management is setting the stage for a new era in urban mobility. As eVTOL technology continues to mature, it promises to redefine transportation networks and create new possibilities for sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban travel. However, the path to widespread adoption remains complex, requiring continued innovation, regulatory collaboration, and public acceptance. Where Robles.AI fits. Robles.AI is uniquely positioned to support advancements in the technologies discussed across these articles. Its expertise in autonomous systems and AI-driven analytics can enhance the capabilities of humanoid robots like Foundation's Phantom, providing advanced navigation and detection algorithms to improve border security operations. In the realm of transportation, Robles.AI's solutions can aid companies like ComfortDelGro in optimizing their multi-modal transport networks through data-driven insights and predictive analytics. For the burgeoning electric air taxi industry, Robles.AI offers cutting-edge AI technologies that can streamline the integration of eVTOL systems into existing airspace infrastructure. Its advanced simulation and modeling tools can assist companies like Archer and Joby in navigating regulatory hurdles and optimizing their operational strategies. By leveraging its AI expertise, Robles.AI is committed to driving innovation and supporting the development of safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions for the future. #humanoidrobots #eVTOL #ComfortDelGro #Phantomrobot #self-driving Sources. Tokens used: Prompt 4871, Completion 3786, Total 8657

Robotic Firms
Jul 24th, 2026
Foundation Future Industries partners with AMD on humanoid robots.

Foundation Future Industries partners with AMD on humanoid robots. Foundation Future Industries, a robotics startup backed by Eric Trump, has announced a partnership with chipmaker AMD to co-develop autonomous humanoid robots for military and industrial applications. Under the deal, Foundation plans to integrate AMD's Ryzen AI Embedded X100 Series processors to build the second generation of its robot platform, the Phantom MK-2. The startup, founded in 2024, stated that its initial Phantom MK-1 robots have already contributed to manufacturing more than 24,000 vehicles during operations in 2025. Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak revealed plans to open a factory in October capable of producing 5,000 Phantom robots annually, with a second facility planned for early next year with a 50,000-unit capacity. Pathak outlined that industrial-use robots are leased to commercial customers for approximately $100,000 per year, while specialized defense units built for materials handling and reconnaissance sell for $300,000 per unit. Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been an investor in the startup since early this year and serves as its chief strategy advisor. The Trump family's investments in defense firms competing for government contracts have drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, with Eric and Donald Trump Jr. also backing firms like XTEND, Unusual Machines, and Powerus. By leveraging AMD's advanced AI processors, Foundation aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous bipedal systems across complex factory floors and high-stakes military defense environments.