According to data published by Crunchbase News on October 27, 2026, funding for robotics startups surged by 185% in the third quarter of 2026. This notable increase was predominantly driven by investments in the United States and China, which are leading the push in physical artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The growth reflects heightened global interest and investor confidence in robotics, particularly in startups developing humanoid robots and other physical AI applications.
The funding boost indicates expanding market potential and innovation in robotics, with companies focusing on integrating advanced AI into physical robotic systems to transform industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and services. The surge underscores the competitive positioning of the US and China in robotics technology and suggests a broader trend toward the adoption of physical AI solutions worldwide.