Eclipse Ventures Advances in ‘Physical AI’ with Large Investment

Staff Report: PNN

US-based venture capital firm Eclipse Ventures is expanding into new horizons by increasing investments in real-world technologies. Recently, the firm raised $1.3 billion, which will primarily be spent on so-called ‘Physical AI’—artificial intelligence applied in real-world environments.

Partner Palo Altovittic said the firm has significantly increased its investments over the past few years and is focusing beyond screen-based technologies, targeting sectors like industry, transportation, and infrastructure.

Of the total funds, $591 million has been allocated to build early-stage startups, while the remaining portion will be invested in high-growth companies. Partner Jiten Behl stated that this new phase of technology will use AI directly to solve real-world problems.

Eclipse has already invested in electric boats, battery recycling, autonomous construction vehicles, and robotics. In the future, the firm plans to increase investments in startups based on Physical AI in transportation, energy, infrastructure, computing, and defense sectors.

The firm does not intend to limit itself to investing in separate companies. Instead, it aims to create an integrated ecosystem by connecting startups across different sectors so they can collaborate and scale more rapidly.

Jiten Behl mentioned that if startups work together from the start, it will be possible to generate market impact quickly.

The venture is also looking to establish new startups with this fund. Some projects have already started, although details have not yet been publicly released.

Experts note that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to software or digital platforms; it is increasingly entering real-world machinery, infrastructure, and industries. This shift has brought the concept of ‘Physical AI’ to the forefront. Analysts believe that with proper investment and policy support, this sector could become a key driver of the global technology industry in the future.