PitchBook: VC investment in global robotics and physical AI jumped to $26B in 2025 from $4.2B in 2019, and has already topped $23B as of May 20 this year (Kate Clark/Wall Street Journal)

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- VC investment in global robotics and physical AI reached $26 billion in 2025.
- VC investment in the sector was $4.2 billion in 2019.
- VC investment had already topped $23 billion as of May 20 2025.
- Investors are targeting infrastructure and “physical AI” projects, lured by potential revenue opportunities.
Why it matters: Hardware startups and AI‑enabled equipment makers stand to win billions as venture capital floods the market, while traditional manufacturers risk being outpaced by fast‑moving, AI‑centric rivals.

