Beyond the Hype: Where VCs Are Actually Investing in Robotics & Physical AI
About the Event
Humanoid robots are everywhere in the headlines—but where is the real commercial traction today?
Which robotics sectors are already scaling? Which technologies still face major technical bottlenecks? And where are Silicon Valley investors actually placing their bets?
Join us for a fireside chat with leading Silicon Valley investors focused on robotics, deep tech, and physical AI.
In addition to the investor discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to meet a visiting delegation of more than 30 senior executives from Taiwan's robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, representing 18 leading Taiwanese companies across robotics, industrial automation, motion control, drones, components, system integration, and manufacturing.
Taiwan plays a critical role in the global hardware and manufacturing supply chain. For founders, investors, and industry leaders interested in robotics commercialization, manufacturing partnerships, and scaling physical AI products, this is a rare opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers from some of Taiwan's most influential robotics and automation companies.
We'll explore the current state of robotics and physical AI, discuss the gap between hype and reality, and examine where the next generation of venture-backed opportunities may emerge.
Discussion Topics
What's Working Today?
Industrial automation, healthcare robotics, logistics, food service, drones, and autonomous systems.
Humanoids: Reality or Hype?
What are the remaining technical, operational, and commercial barriers to adoption?
The Missing "Robot Brain"
Who is building the foundation models, world models, and AI systems that could unlock the next generation of robotics?
Who's Making the Biggest Moves?
What are companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, Google, Figure, and others doing that investors are paying attention to?
Where Are VCs Actually Investing?
How do investors evaluate robotics opportunities today, and which areas of physical AI are attracting the most attention?
Speakers
To Be Announced
Who Should Attend?
Robotics founders
Physical AI startups
Hardware entrepreneurs
Manufacturing and automation leaders
Investors interested in robotics and deep tech
Engineers and researchers exploring the future of intelligent machines
Agenda
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Registration & Coffee Networking
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM Welcome Remarks
10:05 AM – 10:45 AM Fireside Chat
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Audience Q&A
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Networking with Speakers, Founders, Investors, and Taiwan Robotics Industry Leaders
Organized By
Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association (TAIROA)
TAIROA is Taiwan's leading industry platform for robotics, automation, system integration, ICT, smart manufacturing, standards, and certification. It brings together robotics manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, and industrial partners to support global robotics innovation and commercialization.
Startup Island TAIWAN Silicon Valley Hub
Startup Island TAIWAN is a national initiative supporting Taiwanese startups expanding globally. Located in Palo Alto, the Silicon Valley Hub connects founders with investors, corporate partners, and innovation ecosystems while serving as a bridge between Taiwan and Silicon Valley.