Robotics

Robotics Is Entering Its Commercial Breakout Phase

The robotics industry is experiencing a step-change in capability and market adoption. Global robotics spending is forecast to surpass $200 billion by 2028, propelled by labor shortages, falling hardware costs, and AI-driven improvements in autonomy and dexterity. The convergence of advanced perception, manipulation, and foundation models is enabling robots to operate in unstructured environments for the first time at commercial scale.

Three categories dominate current investment activity. Humanoid robotics has attracted billions in venture funding, driven by the thesis that general-purpose robots will eventually address the largest labor markets. Industrial robotics is being disrupted by modular, software-defined systems that lower deployment complexity for mid-market manufacturers. Defense robotics is accelerating as NATO nations invest in autonomous ground, air, and maritime systems.

The key investment insight is that robotics is transitioning from a hardware-first to a software-first industry. Companies that combine capable hardware with AI-powered autonomy software will capture the majority of value. The winner-take-most dynamics familiar from enterprise software are beginning to emerge in robotics platforms.

Uhlig Capital's robotics exposure spans consumer humanoids (The Bot Company, backed by Daft), industrial automation (Robco), and defense platforms (ARX Robotics, Delian Alliance). Our fund managers have identified robotics founders who combine deep technical capability with clear paths to commercial deployment.