Agility-robotics

A PatentVest analysis reveals a significant disconnect between venture capital funding and intellectual property defensibility among humanoid robotics startups, raising questions about long-term viability in a rapidly evolving market.

Analyses from MIT Technology Review and a Fortune op-ed highlight significant near-term challenges for widespread humanoid robot deployment. Experts caution against hype, emphasizing technical, economic, and, as recent CEO discussions on social media reveal, domestic adoption hurdles related to safety and public perception, while underscoring the role of specialized robotics.

Wired magazine predicts 2025 will be a significant year for humanoid robots moving into commercial factory and warehouse roles, citing upcoming deployments like Boston Dynamics' Atlas at Hyundai, alongside existing work by Agility Robotics and Figure. While AI advancements promise greater flexibility and faster learning, challenges concerning reliability, safety, and bridging the gap between demos and autonomous operation remain critical hurdles.

Corporate venture capital investment in robotics startups surged 183% YoY in Q1 2024, reaching $1.3 billion across 34 deals. Driven by AI advancements and manufacturing needs like onshoring, corporations are investing both to supply components for and deploy next‑generation robots, most notably humanoids.

Figure CEO Brett Adcock refuted a Fast Company claim that his company uses planetary roller screws, stating Figure relies on rotary actuators. The dispute highlights a key design debate in humanoid robotics: direct rotary drive versus linear actuators (which use screws) with linkages, as detailed by expert Scott Walter.