German industrial robotics startup Agile Robots is in talks to raise around $800m in fresh funding, according to reports, underscoring investor appetite for startups applying AI in real-world industrial settings.Founded in 2018 as a spinout from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Munich-based Agile Robots develops AI-powered robotics systems including humanoid robots, robotic arms and warehouse automation technology. The company became Germany’s first robotics unicorn in 2021 and now employs more than 3,200 people across Germany, China and India.SoftBank is discussing a potential investment of more than $300m as part of the round, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The talks are said to still be at an early stage, with the final size and terms of financing open to change. Sifted approached Agile Robots and SoftBank for comment.The fundraising comes amid a surge of investor interest in robotics startups as advances in AI drive demand for automation in manufacturing, logistics and engineering. Investor interest in robotics has been heating up in Europe in recent years. Equity funding was up 130% in 2025, compared to 2024, according to Sifted data, with robotics startups bringing in €1.6bn last year. Agile Robots joins a growing cohort of European robotics startups attracting significant capital. German rival Neura Robotics was recently reported to be raising €1bn, while Norway-founded humanoid robotics startup 1X has reportedly been in talks to raise a similar amount.