San Francisco has long been a playground for tech elites, but few expected robots to replace DJs quite this soon. Last weekend, a humanoid AI-powered robot named Phantom took center stage at Temple Nightclub during the “GigaParty.”
Developed by Foundation Robotics Lab, Phantom is a sleek black humanoid originally designed for defense applications. However, instead of servicing military aircraft or refueling in remote regions—its usual tasks—the robot was behind the decks, spinning tech house beats for partygoers at the high-priced networking event. With ticket prices ranging from $35 to $3,000, attendees witnessed what was billed as a futuristic glimpse into the next 75 years of the 21st century.
Foundation Robotics Lab co-founder Mike LeBlanc, a 13-year Marine Corps veteran, claims his company is the only U.S. firm building humanoid robots specifically for national defense. Unlike companies like Boston Dynamics, which prohibit weaponization of their robots, LeBlanc believes humanoids will be critical to future warfare, emphasizing strength, speed, and adaptability.
Despite its defense origins, Phantom’s DJ debut was framed as an exercise in cultural diplomacy. “We are not trying to apologize for the strength of robots,” LeBlanc told the San Francisco Gate. “This is the perfect unveiling because this is what our robot is. This is a fun moment.”
While some may find the concept of a military-built DJ unsettling, its novelty is undeniable. Whether this is a one-time stunt or a sign of AI humanoids taking on more unexpected roles remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: in a city at the heart of technological disruption, even the club scene isn’t immune to robotic intervention.
