In Q2 2026 (April-June), physical AI-related funding dominated startup capital raises. Physical AI—where AI autonomously controls robots and other systems—saw significant investment, with humanoid robot developers attracting particularly large funding amounts, demonstrating investor interest in this sector.

Physical AI technology serves as the foundation for robots and systems that operate autonomously in the real world. Development spans various forms, from quadrupedal robots to humanoids, with growing expectations for commercialization.

This trend indicates the AI industry is shifting from the generative AI stage to implementation and application phases. The convergence of robotics and AI is expected to drive innovation across multiple industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.