7 Public Robotics Companies Driving the Automation Wave

The shift toward industrial automation isn’t just a trend—it’s reshaping how businesses operate globally. Public robotics companies are at the forefront of this transformation, capturing investor interest as sectors like healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing increasingly rely on robotic solutions. The numbers tell the story: the global robotics market is expected to hit $214 billion by 2030, growing at roughly 23% annually. This explosive expansion, fueled by AI breakthroughs and improved computing power, is creating compelling investment opportunities for those looking at sustained growth.

What makes robotics stocks particularly attractive right now? The convergence of three factors: demand from legacy industries needing efficiency, technological maturity making deployment feasible, and capital flowing into automation solutions. Let’s examine seven companies dominating this space.

UiPath: The RPA Pioneer Scaling Rapidly

UiPath (NYSE: PATH) operates in robotic process automation, a segment that’s become essential for enterprises streamlining workflows. Their software bots handle repetitive virtual tasks, allowing human workers to focus on higher-value activities. The company’s financials show impressive momentum—annual recurring revenue grew 30% in the most recent quarter, and UiPath has beaten earnings expectations for eight consecutive quarters on both revenue and profitability lines.

The path to profitability is visible. As the company stabilizes revenue growth, it’s expected to break even and potentially reverse recent stock underperformance. With triple-digit net retention rates, customers aren’t just sticking around—they’re expanding usage.

iRhythm Technologies: Healthcare Robotics in Action

iRhythm Technologies (NASDAQ: IRTC) demonstrates how robotics advances medical diagnostics. Their Zio heart rate monitor represents a breakthrough in cardiac monitoring, using advanced sensors to detect arrhythmias early and prevent serious complications like strokes and heart failures.

The traction is undeniable: revenue has grown approximately 35% over five years, while maintaining a 71.8% gross margin—well above sector averages. Management guides for 69-70% margins going forward, indicating pricing power and operational efficiency. With only 20% market penetration among roughly five million potential patients, substantial runway remains.

Nvidia: The Computing Backbone of Robotics

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) rarely gets mentioned as a robotics play, yet its contribution is foundational. Sophisticated robots require massive computational power for AI and machine learning tasks. Nvidia’s Jetson platforms are purpose-built for robotics applications, enabling developers to create machines that perceive environments, make decisions, and adapt autonomously.

As robotics becomes more intelligent and prevalent, Nvidia’s role deepens. The company isn’t just supplying chips; it’s providing the essential infrastructure allowing next-generation robots to function.

iRobot: From Military Origins to Mainstream

iRobot (NASDAQ: IRBT) transitioned from defense contracting to consumer robotics, building millions of Roomba vacuum cleaners and Braava mops. Recent quarters showed normalized growth after pandemic-fueled surges, creating near-term headwinds for the stock price.

However, external catalysts could shift the narrative. Amazon’s previous acquisition offer at $61 per share—over 40% above contemporaneous market prices—signals significant perceived value. Even if that deal doesn’t materialize, industry consolidation could attract other strategic buyers.

Intuitive Surgical: Surgical Robotics Leadership

Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) leads in robotic-assisted surgery through its da Vinci platform, deployed across cardiac, gynecologic, and urologic procedures. These systems cost upward of $2 million and create strong customer lock-in. Their installed base reached 7,544 systems by year-end, up 12% from the prior year.

The company’s newer Ion Endoluminal System expands addressable markets, enabling minimally invasive lung biopsies. Superior accuracy and precision in surgical outcomes justify premium pricing and sustained adoption.

ABB: Industrial Automation at Scale

ABB Ltd. (NYSE: ABB) provides comprehensive industrial automation solutions—algorithms, robotics, and computer vision systems—reducing downtime and optimizing production. Recent quarters benefited from better component availability, pricing execution, and backlog clearance despite broader economic softness.

The robotics and discrete automation segment grew over 20% recently, demonstrating segment strength. ABB’s $20 million U.S. robotics factory expansion signals confidence in sustained automation demand, with long-term EBITDA margin targets of 15% guiding performance.

Teradyne: Semiconductor Testing Automation

Teradyne (NASDAQ: TER) automates industrial testing and verification, freeing human resources and accelerating device validation cycles. As a major semiconductor equipment supplier, the company benefits from the ongoing chip arms race affecting computing, automotive, defense, and gaming sectors.

Semiconductor testing complexity and criticality provide Teradyne pricing power. The company’s strong profitability profile has supported consistent shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends, positioning it well for continued growth.

The Broader Picture

These seven public robotics companies represent different facets of automation’s expansion. Whether through software automation, medical devices, computing infrastructure, consumer products, surgical systems, industrial solutions, or testing equipment, each plays a distinct role in reshaping how work gets done. The $214 billion market opportunity by 2030 leaves considerable room for multiple winners, making this sector particularly compelling for long-term investors tracking structural shifts in global commerce.