Physical AI is the proverbial new ‘train leaving the station’ or is it just the latest hype cycle?

The Future of Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence and the Looming Job Boom

“Today, AI is software… but there’s another turn on AI that’s coming, which is the turn to embodied physical AI.” — Marc Andreessen

Intro

Physical AI—sometimes called embodied or generative physical AI—is the next frontier in technological transformation. Unlike purely digital AI, which crunches data in the cloud, Physical AI lives in the real world. It perceives, reasons, and acts through robotics, devices, and smart environments.

As generative AI reshaped how we think and create, Physical AI is poised to reshape how we build, heal, move, and live. And with it comes one of the greatest job booms of our time.

Momentum: The trajectory for Physical AI is undeniable:

• Robotics AI: $12.8B (2023) → $124.8B (2030), CAGR ~39%.

• Embedded AI: Forecasted to hit $45B by 2029.

• Embodied AI: $2.5B (2024) → nearly $9B (2033).

• Global AI market: Racing toward $1.8T by 2032.

Leaders of the Movement

• Nvidia – Jetson Thor platform and Cosmos simulation tools.

• Covariant – AI-driven robotic arms for logistics.

• Boston Dy…