The 25 most promising robotics startups in 2026, according to investors
Investors are increasingly betting on robotics and physical AI startups, with $16.3 billion raised in Q1 2026 alone. The sector is shifting from pure software to hardware-integrated AI, focusing on applications ranging from humanoids to specialized industrial automation.
Why it matters
This shift signals a major transition in the tech industry toward 'physical AI,' potentially revolutionizing manufacturing, labor, and automation.
Bain Capital Ventures' Amanda Huang; Scale Venture Partners' Siddharth Ramakrishnan; UP.Partners' Ally Warson. Bain Capital Ventures; Scale Venture Partners; UP.Partners We asked investors at Sequoia, Felicis, and Bessemer to name the most promising robotics startups. Robotics and physical AI startups raised a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals in Q1 2026. Meet the 25 robotics startups investors have been watching in 2026. After years of investors shunning hardware, Silicon Valley is getting physical . Robotics has become one of the hottest bets in tech as investors look beyond software for the next wave of AI. Physical AI startups — companies building machines that can act in the real world — raised a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals in the first quarter of 2026, according to PitchBook data.
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