I know that Carnegie-Mellon University has been researching robotics for a long time now. And of course there is IRBT, makers of the Roomba, if that counts. Auto makers use lots of robots, probably not the kind you're thinking of.
I would think that the liabilities of making and marketing the human like, helper robot in this country will inhibit all but the most crazed entrepreneur.
Industrial robotics are pretty well established. I'm thinking more along the lines of domestic, consumer-oriented products. The Roomba is laughable, but it's a start. In the realm of health care or maintenance, I would think there is a huge potential for "intelligent" machines to do the drudge work. But I don't see anyone working actively on those markets.