Investor interest in humanoid robotics is surging rapidly within the broader artificial intelligence market, but venture capitalists are increasingly warning that much of the momentum is being driven by hype rather than commercial readiness. New market data and investor commentary suggest the sector could be on course to become AI’s next speculative bubble unless fundamentals such as revenue generation, reliability, and real-world deployment improve.
Recent reports from KPMG and PitchBook show AI accounting for more than half of all global venture investments in 2025. Within that landscape, CB Insights data reveals a sharp shift of investor attention toward industrial humanoid robotics, which recorded 17 deals last quarter, more than any other AI category. While this surge highlights growing enthusiasm, investors caution that many humanoid robotics startups are making bold promises without demonstrating viable business models.
“Humanoid robotics is attracting massive capital, but without revenue and reliability, hype can quickly turn into a bubble.”
— Daiva Rakauskaitė, Partner & Fund Manager, Aneli Capital
According to market observers, AI has unlocked new commercial potential for humanoid robots that was previously unattainable. However, challenges related to high costs, limited reliability, real-time decision-making, dexterity, and scalability continue to restrict meaningful adoption. As a result, current use cases remain largely confined to controlled environments such as factories and warehouses, with broader deployment still some distance away.
Daiva Rakauskaitė, partner and fund manager at Aneli Capital, which recently launched a €35 million early-stage fund, draws parallels between today’s AI-driven investment boom and the dotcom bubble of the early 2000s. She believes many AI startups lacking near-term revenue will fail, and warns that humanoid robotics faces similar risks if investors overlook economic fundamentals.
Rakauskaitė emphasizes the need to distinguish between robotics segments. While industrial and logistics robots already generate revenue and deliver measurable outcomes, humanoid robots have yet to prove consistent commercial value. She argues that venture capitalists should adopt a revenue-first philosophy, prioritizing realistic monetization strategies over growth fueled by speculation.
Despite concerns around humanoid robotics, confidence in the broader robotics sector remains strong. Falling hardware costs and rapid AI advancements are accelerating real-world deployment across industries. Rakauskaitė also highlights Central and Eastern Europe as a promising region for robotics innovation, citing proximity to major industrial markets and a deep pool of underrecognized talent.
As investor scrutiny intensifies, the message from VCs is clear: sustainable growth in humanoid robotics will depend not on eye-catching demos, but on economics, execution, and real-world impact.