FieldAI has raised $405 million to build a general-purpose AI system for robots, as physical AI startups attract a record $16.3 billion in investment in the first quarter of 2026. Investors from Sequoia, Bessemer, and other firms have identified 25 promising robotics startups, showcasing the sector's rapid growth.
TL;DR
- FieldAI raises $405 million to develop AI for robotics, highlighting the sector's investment boom.
- Physical AI startups raised a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals in Q1 2026, according to PitchBook.
- 25 promising robotics startups identified by top investors, including FieldAI, Dexterity, and Gecko Robotics.
What happened
FieldAI, a startup building a general-purpose AI system for robots, has raised $405 million in funding. The company's software aims to control different types of robots and help them operate autonomously in unpredictable environments.
The investment in FieldAI is part of a broader boom in the robotics sector, with physical AI startups raising a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals in the first quarter of 2026, according to PitchBook data.
Business Insider compiled a list of 25 promising robotics startups identified by 14 investors from firms including Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, and Bessemer Venture Partners. Each investor nominated one company from their portfolio and one in which they have no financial interest.
Why it matters
The record investment in physical AI startups highlights the growing interest in robotics as a key area for AI development. The sector is attracting significant attention from investors due to falling hardware costs, labor shortages, and the need to reshore manufacturing.
For developers and startups, the boom in robotics presents new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The 25 startups identified by investors showcase the breadth of the robotics field, from general-purpose AI brains to specialized applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
However, the robotics field is still nascent, and some technologies, such as humanoids, are considered unproven with little near-term viability. Investors and developers must carefully evaluate the potential and limitations of these technologies.
Key facts
- FieldAI has raised $405 million in funding, according to the company.
- Physical AI startups raised a record $16.3 billion across 492 deals in Q1 2026, per PitchBook.
- 25 promising robotics startups identified by investors from Sequoia, Bain Capital Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, and other firms.
- FieldAI has more than 30 customers, including construction firms, data center operators, and defense companies.
- Dexterity, another startup on the list, has raised $295 million and is deploying its robots at around 10 sites, with a similar number of pilots underway.
- Gecko Robotics, which builds wall-climbing robots for inspections, has raised $347 million and won a five-year contract with the US Navy worth up to $71 million.
Context
The robotics sector is experiencing a resurgence as investors look beyond software for the next wave of AI. Physical AI startups are developing machines that can act in the real world, addressing challenges such as labor shortages and the need for reshoring manufacturing.
The 25 startups identified by investors showcase the diversity of the robotics field. Some, like FieldAI and Generalist, are building general-purpose AI brains for robots, while others, like Unitree and Walden, are developing humanoids for factories and homes.
The robotics boom is not without its challenges. Some technologies, such as humanoids, are considered unproven, and general-purpose home robots are still many years away. However, the record investment in the sector suggests that investors are optimistic about the potential of robotics to drive the next wave of AI innovation.