The State of Robotics in 2025: Investing in the Next Wave of Automation with Sanjay Aggarwal of F-Prime Capital

This episode is sponsored by RoboBusiness, the preeminent show for learning about the business of robotics and catching up on the latest engineering advancements in the field

Robotics has reached an inflection point—from pilot programs to real-world scale. In this bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Luecke sits down with Sanjay Aggarwal, Partner at F-Prime Capital, to explore The State of Robotics from a venture investor’s perspective.

Sanjay shares why robotics represents one of the largest untapped markets in tech, the sectors where automation is ready to scale today, and where the next breakthroughs will come from. He also breaks down what separates successful robotics startups from the rest—and what type of manufacturing leaders are embracing this new wave of automation first.

Whether you’re a robotics founder, investor, or manufacturing leader exploring automation, this conversation offers a grounded look at how innovation, capital, and timing are aligning in 2025.

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What We Discuss with Sanjay

• (00:00) – Intro: Why robotics is one of the most exciting frontiers in venture capital
• (02:30) – AI-enabled robotics and the new wave of automation opportunities
• (05:00) – What robotics technologies are ready for manufacturing today
• (08:15) – The cutting edge: dexterous robotics and unstructured environments
• (10:45) – What’s holding manufacturers back from adopting robotics
• (14:30) – Why manufacturers hesitate to be first but how proven case studies change that
• (17:00) – Traits of early adopters willing to test emerging technologies
• (21:00) – What VCs look for in robotics founders and founding teams
• (25:00) – Scaling with robotics
• (28:00) – Closing reflections and advice for manufacturers

Do you want to connect with other leaders that are moving the needle in manufacturing everyday? Then make sure to join us in the Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community on LinkedIn.

Recommended Resources

• RoboBusiness, October 15 and 16, 2025 in Santa Clara, CA
• F-Prime Capital, global venture capital firm investing in life sciences, technology healthtech + services, and crypto

Connect with Sanjay and F-Prime

Sanjay Aggarwal | F-Prime Capital