The robotics market is on the verge of a breakthrough driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. By 2030, robots are expected to handle the most tedious, repetitive, and hazardous tasks currently performed by humans. Not long after, ultra-smart machines are forecast to become the central mover of the global economy.
This technological shift, set to gain momentum within the next 18 months, presents a significant opportunity for investors to capitalize on the growth potential of robotics stocks. Here are three robotics stocks in prime positions to benefit from this explosive trend.
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1. Microsoft
Microsoft (MSFT 0.52%), a tech giant known for its software and cloud computing services, is making significant strides in robotics. Its Azure cloud platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services for developing and deploying robotics applications.
Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI has led to the development of advanced AI models, like ChatGPT-4, which can be used to create more intelligent and adaptable robots. Due to its groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI and enormous investments in AI architecture, the tech giant is highly likely to be at the center of the robotics revolution.
Over the past five years, Microsoft's stock has risen by 222% and has a hefty forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 31.9 as a direct result of this bull run. Thanks to the skyrocketing demand for cloud-based robotics solutions, however, Microsoft should be able to continue outperforming the S&P 500 through 2030 despite its lofty valuation.
2. AeroVironment
AeroVironment (AVAV 0.23%) is a leading provider of uncrewed aircraft systems, uncrewed ground vehicles, loitering munition systems, and high-altitude pseudo-satellites for military and commercial applications.
The company's multidomain uncrewed systems are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision agriculture. AeroVironment's expertise in autonomous systems and strong partnerships with government agencies position it well to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous systems in various industries.
Over the past five years, AeroVironment's stock has risen by 223%, pushing its forward P/E ratio to a sizable 83.3. While the stock may seem wildly overvalued based on this metric, its unique competitive position in the hypergrowth robotics space could drive further market-beating returns in the years ahead.
In other words, it's probably not a good idea to pass over this robotics stock because of its premium valuation. AeroVironment, after all, will be a key player in the coming era of advanced robotics.
3. Teradyne
Teradyne (TER -1.20%) is a global leader in automatic test equipment and industrial automation. The company's products are used to test semiconductors, wireless products, and electronic systems.
Teradyne's robotics division, Universal Robots, is a pioneer in collaborative robots (cobots) designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing and other settings. This initiative is designed to usher in an era of flexible manufacturing, offering a cost-effective path toward ever-greater automation.
Over the past five years, Teradyne's stock has risen by a blistering 205%, resulting in a noteworthy forward P/E ratio of 45.4. Still, the rising demand for automation -- in response to the parabolic growth of AI -- should drive Teradyne's stock to outperform the S&P 500 over the next several years.
That's the transformative potential of the imminent robotics revolution, a seismic shift the global stock market appears to be underestimating.
