Key facts
- Robotics and physical AI companies have raised over $23 billion this year.
- Nvidia unveiled a humanoid robot blueprint expected in late 2026.
Nvidia, OpenAI, and Chinese firms race to give AI a physical body
IN SHORT
Major tech companies like Nvidia and OpenAI are investing heavily in 'Physical AI,' aiming to develop advanced humanoid robots. Chinese robotics firms are also preparing for IPOs to fund their AI development, signaling a global race to equip AI with physical capabilities for various real-world tasks.
Key Numbers
$23 billionfunding raised by robotics and physical AI companies this year
late 2026expected availability of Nvidia's humanoid robot blueprint
$39 billionvaluation of Figure AI
Who's Involved
Nvidia
Technology company expanding humanoid robot efforts and popularizing 'Physical AI'
OpenAI
AI research company identifying robotics as its next frontier
Figure AI
Robotics startup deploying humanoids for commercial agreements
Sam Altman
CEO of OpenAI, calling for talent in robotics
Jensen Huang
CEO of Nvidia, coined the term 'Physical AI'
Chinese robotics firms
Companies preparing for IPOs to fund AI development
