The Trump administration is pivoting from its accelerated artificial intelligence strategy toward a new priority: robotics, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Five months after unveiling an ambitious national AI development plan, senior officials are now laying groundwork aimed at rapidly advancing the U.S. robotics industry.

According to three people with direct knowledge of the discussions, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been meeting with CEOs across the robotics sector in recent weeks, signaling an intensified push to expand domestic capabilities. Sources say Lutnick has been “fully committed” to accelerating investment, innovation, and commercialization in the field.

The administration is also evaluating the possibility of issuing a robotics-focused executive order next year, outlining federal priorities, incentives, and regulatory frameworks intended to boost U.S. competitiveness. In parallel, the Department of Transportation is preparing to announce a new robotics task force, which could be formally established before the end of the year. The task force is expected to explore applications ranging from autonomous mobility to logistics automation and safety standards.

The shift toward robotics aligns with broader administration goals to reshape U.S. industrial policy, strengthen technology supply chains, and narrow gaps with global competitors—particularly in manufacturing automation and next-generation robotics systems.

With policy momentum building rapidly, industry leaders anticipate a significant increase in government support in 2026, potentially reshaping innovation priorities across multiple sectors.