In a recent interview with CNBC, Qualcomm”s CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized that robotics will become a significant opportunity for the company in the next two years. Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Amon”s comments indicated a clear strategy to position Qualcomm at the forefront of the burgeoning robotics sector.
Qualcomm has already taken steps in this direction with the January 2026 launch of the Dragonwing processor, specifically engineered for robotics applications. Amon articulated his belief that robotics will achieve meaningful scale by 2027, largely driven by advancements in what the industry refers to as “physical AI.” This technology enhances robots” abilities to navigate and interact with their environments in real time, a vital aspect of their utility in various sectors.
The robotics market is vast, encompassing everything from industrial machinery to humanoid robots. Amon pointed out that over 50 humanoid prototypes have been announced globally as of Q1 2026, showcasing the rapid advancements in this field. Qualcomm aims for Dragonwing to become the standard chip across different robotics platforms, similar to how Snapdragon became integral to Android smartphones. This standardization could facilitate faster adoption across the industry.
Market analysts support Amon”s optimistic outlook. According to McKinsey, the general-purpose robotics market could reach $370 billion by 2040, while RBC Capital Markets estimates the total addressable market for humanoid robots could soar to $9 trillion by 2050. Current statistics indicate that the global robotics market is valued at approximately $67 billion, with growth projected at around 12% annually, buoyed by the demand for AI-capable processors.
The surge in interest surrounding robotics is closely linked to advancements in artificial intelligence. Amon remarked that the potential for a trillion-dollar market in robotics is becoming more achievable due to the increasing applicability of physical AI. This sentiment is echoed by Nvidia”s CEO Jensen Huang, who has identified robotics as a critical growth area for his company.
Financial analysts predict that Qualcomm”s revenue from robotics could multiply fivefold by 2028, should the company successfully capture 15-20% of the physical AI market, as projected by PwC. However, challenges remain. Competitors such as Tesla, with its Optimus project, and various Chinese manufacturers are scaling rapidly. Furthermore, supply chain issues and the high costs associated with AI model training—averaging around $100 million per model—could hinder progress.
At the time of Amon”s remarks, QCOM stock had dipped by 2.20%, trading at $138.40 in after-hours trading. This decline was attributed to broader market tensions, particularly concerning U.S.-Iran relations. The robotics theme was prominent at Mobile World Congress, with companies like Honor unveiling their first humanoid robots, further indicating the industry”s forward momentum.
