A global survey commissioned by Robocap reveals 99% of institutional investors believe the AI market is nearing a major shift, driven by advances in computing and data. Despite strong growth forecasts, 100% say UK and EU regulations are too strict, stifling innovation. Investors foresee the AI market reaching up to $3 trillion by 2033 and robotics up to $400 billion.
A new global survey commissioned by Robocap, a thematic equity fund focused on robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), reveals that institutional investors and wealth managers believe the AI market is poised for a significant transformation.
The study, conducted in March 2025 by Pure Profile, includes insights from 100 senior professional investors managing a combined $1.183 trillion in assets across the US, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland.
Widespread Confidence in AI’s Investment Potential
According to the findings, 99% of institutional investors and wealth managers agree that the AI market is on the brink of a seismic shift. Nearly a third (28%) strongly agree that developments in computing power, big data, and next-generation AI models will drive a surge in investment across areas such as AI-driven automation, precision medicine, autonomous systems, and ethical AI governance. A further 71% slightly agree with this outlook.
These views are underpinned by projections from Dell’Oro Group, which forecasts more than a trillion dollars in annual AI-related infrastructure spending across cloud and enterprise data centres over the next four years. They also expect global data centre capital expenditure (capex) to grow at a 24% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2028.
Market Projections: AI and Robotics
More than half (55%) of investors surveyed estimate that the global AI market will reach a value between $2.53 trillion and $3 trillion by 2033, while 44% expect it to reach around $2.53 trillion.
In parallel, the global robotics market is also expected to see substantial growth. Estimates by Boston Consulting Group value the sector between $160 billion and $260 billion by 2030. However, survey respondents anticipate even higher figures, with 49% predicting a market size between $385 billion and $390 billion by 2033, 42% estimating between $383 billion and $385 billion, 5% suggesting approximately $383.89 billion, and 4% believing it could reach $390 billion to $400 billion.
Regulatory Environment: Innovation Hindered in UK and EU
Despite the strong growth outlook, concerns persist regarding regulatory frameworks in certain regions. A significant proportion of respondents (35% strongly agree, 65% slightly agree) believe that regulations around AI and robotics in the UK and EU are too restrictive. These regulations, according to the investors, have curtailed creativity and innovation compared to more relaxed approaches in markets like the US and China, where local companies have benefited from more flexible environments.
Risks and Ethical Considerations
The survey also highlights a range of concerns related to the development and deployment of AI technologies. Data privacy and cybersecurity rank high, with 80% of investors citing them as key concerns. Additionally, 71% express worry about AI systems’ vulnerability to hacking or manipulation.
Autonomous AI systems, especially those capable of making decisions without human input, are another concern for two-thirds of respondents. Other areas of apprehension include:
- Job displacement and employment impact – 61%
- Ethical implications and misuse of AI – 59%
- Use of AI for surveillance or control – 58%
- Unintended consequences and risks – 45%
- Uncertain societal impacts – 42%
- AI surpassing human capability – 18%
Robocap’s Role in the Evolving AI and Robotics Investment Landscape
Robocap, the fund behind the commissioned study, has positioned itself as a leading investor in listed AI, automation, and robotics companies globally. Since launching the Robocap UCITS Fund in January 2016, the firm has delivered a compound annualised net return (CAGR) of 13.82% and a total net return of 242% as of 30 June 2025. The fund targets a minimum return of 12% per annum over an economic cycle.
Jonathan Cohen, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Robocap, comments:
“We have already seen huge growth in the AI and robotics sectors and given the major advances in computing power, big data and AI models, so we agree there will be an explosion in investment in the next decade. The AI and robotics investment universe is growing all the time, and requires the full attention of an investment team who are specialized in this rapidly expanding area.”
Robocap’s strategy focuses on pure-play companies with at least 40% of their revenues derived from robotics, automation, and AI. Currently, 85% of the portfolio’s revenues are directly linked to these themes. The fund excludes banks and hyperscalers from its investments and is supported by an advisory board of seasoned technology experts and entrepreneurs.
About Robocap
Robocap is a specialist thematic equity fund that focuses exclusively on listed companies operating in the fields of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Established in January 2016, the Robocap UCITS Fund is managed by a London-based expert team and targets a minimum return of 12% per annum over an economic cycle. Since inception, it has delivered a compound annualised net return (CAGR) of 13.82% and a total net return of 242% as of 30 June 2025.
Robocap follows a pure-play investment approach, allocating capital only to companies with at least 40% of revenues derived from AI, robotics, or automation—currently, 85% of its portfolio revenues are directly linked to these sectors. The fund excludes banks and hyperscalers and is supported by an advisory board of experienced technology experts and entrepreneurs. Its investment universe includes AI cybersecurity, healthcare robotics, autonomous vehicles, logistics automation, and more across the global innovation landscape.
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