McKinsey report predicts doubling of AI, robotics, and space technology investments by 2026

According to the McKinsey & Company ‘Technology Trends Outlook 2026’ report, investments in five critical technology sectors are projected to more than double in 2026 compared to the previous year. These sectors include artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and model architectures, AI in scientific discovery and engineering, robotics, and space technologies.

The report highlights that technological transformation is expanding beyond software into high-capital physical areas such as data centers, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure. The scaling of AI is specifically driving a surge in energy and infrastructure needs. Last year, approximately $200 billion was invested in energy technologies, one of the highest capital inflows among technology sectors.

Projections indicate significant growth in specific areas: investments in AI infrastructure and model architectures could increase by approximately 5.3 times, reaching an estimated $769 billion by the end of the year. Additionally, investments in AI for scientific discovery and engineering are expected to grow 3.2 times, while robotics and space technology investments are forecasted to more than double.