Major Leap Expected in Artificial Intelligence and Space Technology Investments

According to a recently published report, as technological transformation moves beyond software into physical domains, investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and space technology are expected to surge to record levels in 2026.

Key Trends Highlighted by the Report

The Technology Trends Outlook 2026 report published by McKinsey & Company revealed that technological transformation is extending beyond software into physical areas such as data centers, semiconductors, energy infrastructure, robotics, and space technologies.

The year's technology trends are examined under three main groups: the artificial intelligence revolution, advanced engineering, and computing and connectivity technologies.

Expectation of Exponential Growth in Investments

Based on calculations extrapolating investment trends from the first half of the year to the entire year, investments in software development via AI agents, AI infrastructure and model architectures, AI in scientific discovery and engineering, space technologies, and robotics are projected to reach more than twice their 2025 levels this year.

Striking Increase in Infrastructure and Model Architectures

While one of the most striking leaps is observed in AI infrastructure and model architectures, investments in this field are expected to surge to approximately 5.3 times last year's figure in 2026.

It is estimated that investments in artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and engineering will increase by 3.2 times, and robotics investments by 2.1 times.

Increase in Capital and Energy Demand

It is estimated that equity investments in AI infrastructure and model architectures reached approximately $384 billion in the first half of 2026 and could reach approximately $769 billion by the end of the year.