Robotics - The Wave After AI

In Q1 2026, the robotics sector saw unprecedented investment, hitting a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals, leveraging existing AI technologies in chips, sensing, and power systems. This surge is symbolized by Agility Robotics’ SPAC merger and Unitree’s Shanghai IPO, signaling a growing interest in humanoid robotics. Despite challenges like dexterity issues, high capital intensity, and China’s manufacturing dominance, the sector's integration with AI infrastructure suggests a transformative wave in automation and robotics, potentially reshaping industries from manufacturing to healthcare.