Robotics and AI sectors see growth in revenue and specialized humanoid development

The humanoid robotics and AI sectors are seeing significant commercial and financial momentum. Robo. ai reported September revenue exceeding US$100 million, driven largely by QC Capital, and projects approximately US$600 million in total revenue for the full year 2026. The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint with a new industrial park groundbreaking in Umm Al Quwain, UAE.

In the specialized robotics market, San Francisco-based Minerva Humanoids has emerged from stealth with $10 million in pre-seed funding. The company is developing ‘Roger’, a semi-autonomous humanoid designed for hazardous environments such as energy operations and explosive ordnance disposal. Unlike general-purpose models, Minerva utilizes a ‘shared autonomy’ approach, combining AI-driven navigation with remote specialist control via VR.

Broad market trends indicate a major shift toward commercial humanoid applications. The global humanoid robot market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 5.41 billion in 2026 to USD 50.27 billion by 2035, driven by advancements in physical AI, computer vision, and a demand for flexible automation in manufacturing and healthcare.