Robots are creating work for at least one kind of human: venture capitalists.
They poured $172 million into robotics startups last year, according to an annual survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP—nearly triple the $60 million two years earlier. Travis Deyle, a robotics blogger who keeps his own yearly tally, pegs it even higher—at least $250 million in 2013.
“There’s definitely been a big uptick,” says Mr. Deyle, who notes this year appears headed for another record.
