Robots automate the world around us and enjoy an impressively diverse range of uses. But is the industry worth your money? Robotics may be on the rise, but high rates of competition may threaten your investment.
What is robotics?
Robotics is the study, design and construction of robots. The field is closely related to many engineering disciplines, including computer science, artificial intelligence and bioengineering.
There are many types of robots, including drones, telepresence devices, self-driving cars, household appliances, toys, industrial machines and so many more. As the field of robotics continues to expand, the more likely we are to encounter robots in our daily lives.
Robotics stocks come from companies involved in the conception or construction of robots. Broadly speaking, they include:
Core automation and production. Focused on the development and construction of robots and automated processes.
Robot technology. Specialize in specific segments of the robot market, like vision systems, sensors and video compression.
Robotic integration. Use robotics to enhance their product offerings, like domestic appliances, farming equipment and aircraft systems.
How to invest in robotics
There are several ways you can invest in robotics stocks. You can buy shares of individual robotics stocks. You can also purchase shares of an ETF that invests in several stocks. Here’s how to start:
Choose a stock trading platform. You have plenty to choose from, so be sure to compare your options to find the one that works best for you.
Open your account. Be ready with your ID, Social Security number and bank account information.
Fund your account. You’ll need to transfer money to your brokerage account before you can start investing. Some platforms let you start with as little as $1.
Search for stocks. Look up stocks by ticker symbol or use a stock screener to filter the types you’re interested in.
Place an order. Once you’ve found an investment you want, specify how much of it you wish to purchase and submit your order.
Monitor your investments. Track the performance of your portfolio by logging on to your account.
We evaluate stock trading platforms against a range of metrics that include fees, ease of use, available securities and advanced tools to meet specific investor needs. We encourage you to compare stock platforms to find one that's best for your particular budget and goals.
Our pick for building a portfolio. We chose SoFi for this category because it offers both commission-free stocks and a free robo-advisor. That means you can open an active investing account to pick and choose companies you want to invest in, and open a robo-advisor account to help you build a portfolio and manage how much risk you take on.
Our pick for social investors.We selected Public for this category because its beginner-friendly platform allows users to share strategies, trends and tips with other users. Small-quantity investors can purchase fractional shares for as little as $5. Limited research tools may frustrate advanced investors.
Our pick for beginners. We chose Robinhood for this category because it offers commission-free trading and is easy to use. You can search for stocks by company name, and the mobile app is clean and intuitive to use.
Robotics stocks
The robotics industry is growing in the US and internationally. Investors can select from stocks traded directly on US exchanges or purchase over-the-counter shares from international companies.
Robotics stocks on US exchanges
Select a company to learn more about what they do and how their stock performs, including market capitalization, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio and dividend yield. While this list includes a selection of the most well-known and popular stocks, it doesn't include every stock available.
Company summary
ABB Ltd manufactures and sells electrification, industrial automation, and robotics and motion products for customers in utilities, industry and transport, and infrastructure worldwide. Its Electrification segment provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboard and panel boards, switchgears, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems, and intelligent home and building solutions for integrating and automating lighting, heating, ventilation, security, and data communication networks. The company's Robotics & Discrete Automation segments provides industrial robots, software, robotic solutions and systems, field services, spare parts, and digital services. This segment also offers solutions based on its programmable logic controllers, industrial PCs, servo motion, transport systems, and machine vision. Its Industrial Automation segment develops and sells industry-specific, integrated automation, and electrification systems and solutions, as well as digital solutions, lifecycle services, and artificial intelligence applications for the process and hybrid industries. This segment also offers process and discrete control technologies, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement, analytical instrumentation, electric ship propulsion systems, and large turbochargers, as well as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, asset performance management, and cybersecurity services. The company's Motion segment manufactures and sells drives, motors, generators, traction converters, and mechanical power transmission products. ABB Ltd has a strategic collaboration with IBM. ABB Ltd was founded in 1883 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
AeroVironment, Inc. designs, develops, produces, delivers, and supports a portfolio of robotic systems and related services for government agencies and businesses. It operates in two segments, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MUAS). The company supplies UAS, tactical missile systems, and related services primarily to organizations within the U.S. Department of Defense and to international allied governments. It also designs, engineers, tools, and manufactures unmanned aerial and aircraft systems, including airborne platforms, payloads and payload integration, ground control systems, and ground support equipment and other items and services related to ISR services. In addition, the company offers small UAS products, including spare equipment, alternative payload modules, batteries, chargers, repair services, and customer support, as well as multiple aircraft, hand-held ground control system, and spare parts and accessories. Further, it develops high-altitude pseudo-satellite UAS systems. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Brooks Automation, Inc. provides manufacturing automation solutions for the semiconductor industry, and life science sample-based services and solutions for the life sciences market worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Brooks Semiconductor Solutions Group, Brooks Life Sciences Services, and Brooks Life Sciences Products. The Brooks Semiconductor Solutions Group segment offers wafer automation and contamination controls solutions and services. Its products include atmospheric and vacuum robots, robotic modules, and tool automation systems that offer precision handling and clean wafer environments; and automated cleaning and inspection systems for wafer carriers, reticle pod cleaners, and stockers. It also offers repair and refurbishment, diagnostics, and installation services, as well as spare parts and productivity enhancement upgrade services. The Brooks Life Sciences Services segment provides gene sequencing and gene synthesis services, including next generation sequencing, sanger sequencing, gene synthesis, bioinformatics, and good laboratory practices regulatory services; on-site and off-site sample storage, cold chain logistics, sample transport and collection relocation, bio-processing solutions, disaster recovery, and business continuity, as well as project management and consulting services; and sample intelligence software solutions and integration of customer technology. The Brooks Life Sciences Products segment offers automated cold storage systems; consumables, such as various formats of racks, tubes, caps, plates, and foils used for the storage and handling of samples in cold storage environments; and instruments used for labeling, bar coding, capping, de-capping, auditing, sealing, peeling, and piercing tubes and plates. The company serves semiconductor capital equipment and life sciences sample management markets in approximately 50 countries. Brooks Automation, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Cognex Corporation provides machine vision products that capture and analyze visual information in order to automate manufacturing and distribution tasks worldwide. Its machine vision products are used to automate the manufacturing and tracking of discrete items, including mobile phones, aspirin bottles, and automobile tires by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them during the manufacturing or distribution process. The company offers VisionPro software, a suite of patented vision tools for advanced programming; Cognex Designer that allows customers to build vision applications with a graphical, flowchart-based programming environment; and Cognex deep learning vision software. It also provides a range of inspection tasks, including part location, identification, measurement, assembly verification, and robotic guidance; and vision sensors for vision applications, such as checking the presence and size of parts; the In-Sight product line of vision systems and sensors. In addition, the company offers ID products comprising DataMan image-based barcode readers and barcode verifiers. It sells its products to consumer electronics, automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices industries, as well as through a network of distributors and integrators. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts.
Deere & Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes various equipment worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Agriculture and Turf segment provides various agriculture and turf equipment, and related service parts, including large, medium, and utility tractors; tractor loaders; combines, cotton pickers, cotton strippers, and sugarcane harvesters; harvesting front-end equipment; sugarcane loaders and pull-behind scrapers; tillage, seeding, and application equipment comprising sprayers, nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery; self-propelled forage harvesters and attachments, balers, and mowers; riding lawn equipment, golf course equipment, utility vehicles, and commercial mowing equipment along with associated implements; integrated agricultural solutions and precision technologies; and other outdoor power products. The Construction and Forestry segment offers a range of machines and service parts used in construction, earthmoving, road building, material handling, and timber harvesting, including backhoe loaders; crawler dozers and loaders; four-wheel-drive loaders; excavators; motor graders; articulated dump trucks; landscape loaders; skid-steer loaders; milling machines; recyclers; slipform pavers; surface miners; asphalt pavers; compactors; tandem and static rollers; mobile crushers and screens; mobile and stationary asphalt plants; log skidders; feller bunchers; log loaders; log forwarders; and log harvesters and related logging attachments. The Financial Services segment finances sales and leases agriculture and turf, and construction and forestry equipment. It also offers wholesale financing to dealers of the foregoing equipment; and extended equipment warranties, as well as finances retail revolving charge accounts. Deere & Company was founded in 1837 and is headquartered in Moline, Illinois.
FLIR Systems, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, markets, and distributes thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locater systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and threat-detection solutions worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Industrial Technologies and Defense Technologies. The Industrial Technologies segment develops and manufactures thermal and visible-spectrum imaging camera cores and components for third parties to create thermal, industrial, and other types of imaging systems; and develops and manufactures devices that image, measure, and analyze thermal energy, gases, and other environmental elements for industrial, commercial, and scientific applications, as well as imaging payloads for unmanned aerial systems, and machine vision cameras. It also develops, manufactures, and services thermal imaging cameras, analytics software, gas detection cameras, firefighting cameras, process automation cameras, environmental test and measurement devices, security cameras, marine electronics, and traffic cameras for perimeter security, critical infrastructure, recreational and commercial maritime, and traffic monitoring and control. The Defense Technologies segment develops and manufactures airborne, land, maritime, and man-portable multi-spectrum imaging systems; radars; lasers; imaging components; integrated multi-sensor system platforms; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives detectors; and nano-class unmanned aerial systems, as well as services related to systems for military, law enforcement, public safety, and other government customers. It also produces multi-mission unmanned air and unmanned ground systems serving the U.S. Department of Defense and federal government agencies, public safety, and governmental customers. It has collaboration with Neurala to deliver AI-Powered industrial cameras. FLIR Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1978 and is headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon. As of May 14, 2021, FLIR Systems, Inc. operates as a
Globus Medical, Inc., a medical device company, develops and commercializes healthcare solutions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Its offers spine products, such as consists of traditional fusion implants, such as pedicle screw and rod systems, plating systems, intervertebral spacers, and corpectomy devices for treating degenerative, deformity, tumors, and trauma conditions; treatment options for motion preservation technologies, such as dynamic stabilization, total disc replacement, and interspinous distraction devices; interventional pain management solutions to treat vertebral compression fractures; and regenerative biologic products, comprising of allografts and synthetic alternatives. The company also offers products for the treatment of orthopedic trauma, including fracture plates, compression screws, intramedullary nails, and external fixation systems; and hip and knee joint solutions, including modular hip stems and acetabular cups, as well as posterior stabilizing and cruciate retaining knee arthroplasty implants. In addition, it distributes human cell, tissue, and cellular and tissue based products; and COALITION, COALITION MIS, COALITION AGX, MONUMENT, MAGNIFY-S, HEDRON IATM, HEDRON ICTM, INDEPENDENCE, INDEPENDENCE MIS, FORTIFY and XPAND families, SABLETM, RISE, RISE INTRALIF, RISE-L, ELSA, ELSA ATP, RASS, ALTERA, ARIEL, LATIS, CALIBER and CALIBER-L products. Globus Medical, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Audubon, Pennsylvania.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets da Vinci surgical systems, and related instruments and accessories in the United States and internationally. The company's da Vinci Surgical System include surgeon's consoles, patient-side carts, 3-D HD vision systems, skills simulators, da Vinci Xi integrated table motions, and Firefly fluorescence imaging products that enable surgeons to perform various surgical procedures, including gynecologic, urologic, general, cardiothoracic, and head and neck surgical procedures. It also manufactures EndoWrist instruments, such as forceps, scissors, electrocautery tools, scalpels, and other surgical tools, which incorporate wrist joints for natural dexterity for various surgical procedures; and provides SimNow, a cloud-enabled simulation platform, which allows surgeons to learn and practice their surgical skills; Iris, an augmented reality imaging product for use in kidney procedures; and Intuitive Cloud that enables proactive monitoring and software updates. In addition, the company offers EndoWrist Stapler, a wristed stapling instrument for resection, transection, and creation of anastomoses; EndoWrist One Vessel Sealers that are wristed single-use instruments for bipolar coagulation and mechanical transection of vessels up to 7mm in diameter and tissue bundles that fit in the jaws of the instrument; E-100 generator, an electrosurgical generator; SureForm 45 Curved-Tip stapler; and SynchroSeal for sealing and transection with a single pedal press. Additionally, the company sells various accessories comprising sterile drapes for ensuring sterile field during surgery; and vision products that include replacement 3D stereo endoscopes, camera heads, light guides, and other items that facilitate the use of the da Vinci Surgical System, as well as Ion endoluminal system for biopsies. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
iRobot Corporation designs, builds, and sells robots in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and internationally. It offers Roomba floor vacuuming robots; Braava family of automatic floor mopping robots; and Root robots to help children learn how to code. The company sells its products through distributor and retail sales channels, as well as through online stores and resellers. iRobot Corporation was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions. The company operates in two segments, Architecture & Software, and Control Products & Solutions. The Architecture & Software segment offers a portfolio of automation and information platforms, including hardware and software. Its products include programmable automation controllers; design, visualization, and simulation software; and human machine interface products, networking products, industrial computers, sensing devices, machine safety devices, motion control products, and independent cart technology products. This segment also offers manufacturing execution system and analytics software to enhance operational productivity and meet regulatory requirements. The Control Products & Solutions segment provides low and medium voltage electro-mechanical and electronic motor starters, AC/DC variable frequency drives, motor control and circuit protection devices, operator and signaling devices, termination and protection devices, relays and timers, and electrical control accessories. This segment also offers pre-configured line and load power solutions, packaged drives, motor control centers, and intelligent packaged power and engineered to order automation equipment solutions; and professional lifecycle services, such as safety, security, and digital transformation consulting, as well as automation and information project delivery capabilities, plant network, cloud, cybersecurity, asset management and predictive analytics, and remote, on-site, and managed support services. The company primarily serves a range of industries, which include the automotive, semiconductor, and warehousing and logistics; food and beverage, and life sciences; and oil and gas, metals, and chemicals through independent distributors and direct sales force worldwide. Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Teradyne, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and supports automatic test equipment worldwide. The company operates through Semiconductor Test, System Test, Industrial Automation, and Wireless Test segments. The Semiconductor Test segment offers products and services for wafer level and device package testing in automotive, industrial, communications, consumer, smartphones, computer and electronic game, and other applications. This segment also provides FLEX test platform systems; J750 test system to address the volume semiconductor devices; Magnum platform that tests memory devices, such as flash memory and DRAM; and ETS platform for semiconductor manufacturers, and assembly and test subcontractors in the analog/mixed signal markets. It serves integrated device manufacturers that integrate the fabrication of silicon wafers into their business; fabless companies that outsource the manufacturing of silicon wafers; foundries; and semiconductor assembly and test providers. The System Test segment offers defense/aerospace test instrumentation and systems; storage test systems; and circuit-board test and inspection systems. The Industrial Automation segment provides collaborative robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, and advanced robotic control software for manufacturing, logistics, and light industrial customers. The Wireless Test segment provides test solutions for use in the development and manufacture of wireless devices and modules, smart phones, tablets, notebooks, laptops, peripherals, and Internet-of-Things devices under the LitePoint brand name. This segment also offers IQxel products for Wi-Fi and other standards; IQxstream solution for testing GSM, EDGE, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, HSPA+, LTE-FDD, TD_LTE, LTE-A, and 5G technologies; IQcell, a multi-device cellular signaling test solution; IQgig test solution; and turnkey test software for wireless chipsets. The company was incorporated in 1960 and is headquartered in North Reading, Massachusetts.
Trimble Inc. provides technology solutions that enable professionals and field mobile workers to enhance or transform their work processes worldwide. It operates through four segments: Buildings and Infrastructure, Geospatial, Resources and Utilities, and Transportation. The Buildings and Infrastructure segment offers field and office software for route selection and design; systems to guide and control construction equipment; systems to monitor, track, and manage assets, equipment, and workers; software to share and communicate data; program management solutions for construction owners; 3D conceptual design and modeling software; building information modeling software; integrated site layout and measurement systems; cost estimating, scheduling, and project controls solutions; and applications for sub-contractors and trades. The Geospatial segment provides surveying and geospatial products, and geographic information systems. The Resources and Utilities segment offers precision agriculture products and services, such as guidance and positioning systems, automated and variable-rate application and technology systems, and information management solutions. This segment also provides manual and automated navigation guidance for tractors and other farm equipment; solutions to automate application of pesticide and seeding; water solutions; and agricultural software. The Transportation segment offers solutions for long haul trucking and freight shipper markets; mobility solutions, including route management, safety and compliance, end-to-end vehicle management, video intelligence, and supply chain communications; and fleet and transportation management systems, analytics, routing, mapping, reporting, and predictive modeling solution under Trimble brand name. The company was formerly known as Trimble Navigation Limited and changed its name to Trimble Inc. in October 2016. Trimble Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Zebra Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides enterprise asset intelligence solutions in the automatic identification and data capture solutions industry worldwide. It operates in two segments, Asset Intelligence & Tracking and Enterprise Visibility & Mobility. The company designs, manufactures, and sells printers, which produce labels, wristbands, tickets, receipts, and plastic cards; RFID printers and encoders; accessories and options for its printers, including vehicle mounts and battery chargers; stock and customized thermal labels, receipts, ribbons, plastic cards, and RFID tags for printers; and temperature-monitoring labels primarily used in vaccine distribution, as well as self-laminating wristbands for use in laser printers. It also provides a range of maintenance, technical support, repair, and managed and professional services; real-time location systems and services; and tags, sensors, exciters, middleware software, and application software, as well as physical inventory management solutions, and rugged tablets and enterprise-grade mobile computing products and accessories. In addition, the company offers barcode scanners, image capture devices, and RFID readers; and workforce management solutions, workflow execution and task management solutions, and prescriptive analytics solutions, as well as communications and collaboration solutions. The company serves retail and e-commerce, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, warehouse and distribution, energy and utilities, government, education, and banking enterprises. It sells its products, solutions, and services through distributors, value added resellers, independent software vendors, direct marketers, and original equipment manufacturers. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
To purchase these stocks, you’ll need an international share trading account. Because a lot of beginner-friendly brokerages, like Robinhood and Chase You Invest, don’t offer access to international exchanges, this can limit your account options.
Daifuku (OTC: DFKCY)
Fanuc (OTC: FANU.Y)
KION Group (OTC: KIGR.Y)
Kuka (OTC: KUKA.F)
Siemens (OTC: SIEG.Y)
Yaskawa (OTC: YASK.Y)
What ETFs track the robotics category?
Most ETFs that track robotics companies also have an eye on the artificial intelligence industry.
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT)
Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ)
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO)
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO)
Why invest in robotics stocks?
It’s hard to argue against the excitement of investing in the tech sector. And the robotics industry in particular presents an enticing opportunity for investors.
There’s a lot of long-term growth potential in robotics. Like artificial intelligence, the robotics industry is on an impressive growth trajectory.
From 2018 to 2026, the robotics industry is expected to grow by about 11% per year, according to the Global Industrial Robotics Market Analysis 2020. And the sweeping practical applications of this technology seem endless, including uses in healthcare, industrial assembly, military, automotive, consumer goods.
Robotics stocks also offer investors the opportunity to back a technology they may actually benefit from, like surgical robots, disaster-response robots or farming robots.
Risks of investing in robotics
There are two risks to consider before you invest in robotics stocks: competition and company valuations.
Market sectors poised for growth hold plenty of investment potential but tend to experience higher rates of competition. And competition can be cutthroat — especially for newly hatched startups that lack the capital and resources of better-established companies.
And the other major risk factor associated with robotics stocks plays into the first: high company valuations. The robotics industry is on an upward trajectory, and the market has adjusted in response. Like many other industries in this sector, robotics stocks can get expensive, and that’s a result of the higher valuations associated with companies in this industry.
The bottom line? Investors risk pouring funds into an expensive stock only to watch the company flounder amid competition.
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Disclaimer: The value of any investment can go up or down depending on news, trends and market conditions. We are not investment advisers, so do your own due diligence to understand the risks before you invest.
Bottom line
The field of robotics is growing, and there are many ways to apply the technology. But the price of investing in robotics may be higher than investors are willing to risk in such a competitive industry.
Yes, some robotics stocks pay dividends, including ABB, Deere, Kuka and Rockwell Automation.
How do I purchase OTC robotics stocks?
To purchase over-the-counter stocks, you’ll need a brokerage account that offers access to OTC markets, like Interactive Brokers, Robinhood or Zacks Trade.
Shannon Terrell is a senior writer for Finder who has written over 400 personal finance guides. With a focus on investments and personal finance, she breaks down jargon-laden topics to help others make informed financial decisions. She studied communications and English literature at the University of Toronto.
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