The robots are coming — and investors are paying attention.
From factory floors to hospital rooms, robotics is moving from science fiction to everyday business reality. UBS predicts there could be 300 million humanoid robots in use by 2050, while Morgan Stanley sees the potential for one billion robots, in a market worth as much as US$5 trillion.
That’s a lot of opportunity, and a lot of potential winners. In our latest Ticker Take video on YouTube, we explored 14 stocks at the center of this fast-evolving industry — from medical devices to autonomous machines.
Defence and drones
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) builds unmanned aircraft and ground robots for military use. Revenue and profit are forecast to rise more than 300 per cent in five years, with analysts still seeing further upside.
Consumer giants
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) isn’t a robotics player yet, but Morgan Stanley thinks it could eventually build a $130 billion business in the space. Tech giants often find their way into every major innovation wave.
Machine vision
Cognex (NASDAQ: CGNX) makes the “eyes” that let robots see. TD Cowen expects about 40 per cent revenue growth and twice that in profits by 2029. Roughly 60 per cent of analysts rate it a buy.
Farming the future
Deere & Co (NYSE: DE) is turning tractors into autonomous machines. On average, analysts see profit doubling in five years as automation spreads to agriculture.
Industrial powerhouses
Japan’s Fanuc is known for its yellow factory robots. Analysts expect solid profit growth and a majority still recommend the stock.
South Korea’s Hyundai, owner of Boston Dynamics, has strong support from analysts in Seoul.
Surgery and precision
Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) leads in robotic surgery with its da Vinci system. Analysts, on average, project around 90 per cent revenue growth and profit doubling over the next five years.
The brains behind the bots
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) provides the computing power for AI-driven machines. Revenue and profits are both expected to more than double through 2029, according to analyst data from Bloomberg.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) supplies the software backbone that keeps industrial robots running smoothly.
Betting on the builders
Japan’s SoftBank has long backed robotics ventures, including ABB’s automation unit. ABB’s profit is forecast to climb more than 25 per cent in five years, according to average analyst estimates.
Symbotic (NASDAQ: SYM) powers Walmart’s warehouse automation, with revenue on average expected to rise more than 150 per cent and profitability improving sharply.
Collaborative robots and humanoids
Teradyne (NASDAQ: TER) is expanding in collaborative robots that work alongside people. Analysts see roughly 80 per cent revenue growth, on average, by 2029.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) continues to develop its humanoid robot Optimus, which Elon Musk says could one day become a major part of Tesla’s value.
China’s UBTECH Robotics is already selling humanoid robots commercially, with analysts (a small group mind you) expecting roughly 500 per cent revenue growth in five years.
The Ticker Take
As the world shifts from AI hype to physical automation, robotics could be the next great wealth-building trend.
From warehouses to hospitals to homes, robots are becoming part of everyday life. And for investors, the key will be spotting the companies with staying power. Those with real technology, recurring revenue and the financial strength to scale could emerge on top.
Jon Erlichman is a BNN Bloomberg contributor and the host of Ticker Take on YouTube.
