WASHINGTON: These robots don’t break into a jig or jump, but their ability to do single tasks cheaply and efficiently is attracting investor dollars as focus shifts to function from flash.

Far from the sleek humanoids of science fiction that are meant for complex and adaptive work, boxy and utilitarian robots — some the size of industrial tool chests — are built to handle tasks such as hauling parts, collecting trash or inspecting equipment.

Interest has been rising in such specialised robots as they offer a clear path to profitability, given the stress on automation across industries, including retail, defence and waste management, company executives, analysts and investors said. In contrast, makers of general-purpose humanoids are still grappling with technical challenges, including limited training data and difficulty operating in unpredictable real-world environments, to make them viable.

Data from PitchBook shows robotics companies globally raised $2.26 billion in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 70% of that capital funneled into firms making task-focused machines. The funding reflects a broader global race to robot supremacy. From Shenzhen to Silicon Valley, companies are trying to develop machines that can take on physical work, with China emerging as a major player thanks to ample government support.

The push has been fueled by advances in chip technology, which has enabled more sophisticated AI models that allow robots to perceive, process and react without needing remote servers.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2025