Although enthusiasm for humanoid robots is spreading, skepticism about human-shaped designs is growing among some Silicon Valley investors. They argue that robots tailored to specific tasks are more efficient in industrial settings and that humanoids can be more about demonstrations than practicality. Funding is moving to wheeled general-purpose robots and industrial automation. Supporters counter that successful humanoids could target manufacturing, logistics, services and homes, and investment in the sector is rising sharply.

U.S. defense technology startup Mach Industries raised $300 million in a Series C round, valuing the company at $1.8 billion. TechCrunch reported the valuation is nearly four times higher than a year ago, after a $100 million raise in June 2025 at a $470 million valuation. The round was led by Infinite Capital and Ribbit Capital. Mach is developing five autonomous aircraft and plans to start producing at least three next year.