Foundation Robot Phantom MK-1
What does the future of human-machine collaboration look like?
Mattia Balsamini traveled to the headquarters of Foundation in San Francisco to document the company’s groundbreaking work on humanoid robotics.
At the center of the story is Phantom MK-1, the first production humanoid robot developed by Foundation — the result of decades of research and innovation in robotics engineering. Designed for strength, balance, and fluid motion, Phantom moves beyond the traditional “robotic” aesthetic, enabling more natural interaction and seamless integration into human environments.
Foundation is building humanoid systems intended to operate across manufacturing, logistics, domestic environments, and defense applications, exploring how intelligent machines can support people in increasingly complex physical tasks.
The photographic series also features portraits of Foundation’s leadership team, including Mike LeBlanc — co-founder of Foundation and a former U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 14 years of service — and Sankaet Pathak, co-founder and CEO of the company.
Through Mattia Balsamini’s photos, the project captures not only the technology itself, but also the people, vision, and ambition behind one of the most advanced humanoid robotics initiatives emerging today.
A visual journey into the next generation of robotics — where engineering, movement, and human-centered design converge.
