As physical AI platforms - from humanoid robots to autonomous vehicles - move quickly from prototype to production, Zornitsa Todorova, Head of Thematic FICC Research, convened a panel of industry leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026, to examine how investors, operators and technologists are positioning for one of the most significant industrial shifts of the decade.
Zornitsa was joined by Saumil Shah, VP and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Arm; Lauren Dunford, CEO and Co‑Founder of Guidewheel; and Eric Enselme, Executive Fellow at the World Economic Forum.
Saumil outlined how asset managers are approaching the emerging physical‑AI landscape, viewing humanoid robotics and autonomous systems as scalable platforms with broad cross‑industry potential. He highlighted how capital is being allocated across the stack - from enabling components and perception systems to full‑stack robotics providers - and the importance of identifying business models capable of scaling as automation capex accelerates.
Lauren brought the manufacturing lens, discussing how persistent labour shortages and rising demand are reshaping operational priorities. She highlighted the potential for robotics, intelligent automation, and adaptive AI systems to close long‑standing productivity gaps, particularly in high‑mix, labour‑intensive environments. Promising applications include automated material handling, advanced quality control, and next‑generation co‑bots designed to augment human workers.
Drawing on his experience at Procter & Gamble and the World Economic Forum, Eric looked ahead to the “factory of the future”: modular, sensor‑rich production environments where AI enables real‑time decision‑making, predictive maintenance and more flexible, resilient supply chains. He noted that the convergence of robotics, data infrastructure and AI will reshape industrial competitiveness over the next decade.
Across the discussion, one theme was clear: physical AI is becoming economically meaningful. As costs decline, capabilities rise and adoption broadens, the opportunity spans technology providers, industrial operators and investors seeking exposure to the next wave of automation.
