Best Robotics Stocks to Close Out 2020

The first year of this new decade is coming to a close, but there’s still a couple of months left to explore everything the stock market has to offer.

Here are the best robotic stocks to consider before 2020 comes to an end. 

1. Brooks Automation Inc. (NASDAQ: BRKS)

If you’re a fan of the STEM industry, Brooks Automation is a fantastic choice for you. This company focuses on robotics for the semiconductor and life science industries.

It started as a semiconductor company in 1978, and that single portion of its business grew by 11% in the first quarter of 2020. The diversification into life sciences is a new event, but if Brooks’ mastery of the semiconductor industry is any indicator, growth is almost guaranteed. 

2. ABB Ltd. (NYSE: ABB)

ABB is a robotics company that’s been around for a couple of decades, and while it hasn’t had the most positive returns through that time, it’s still the second-largest robotics manufacturer in the world.

This isn’t a stock to invest in if you’re looking for fast or aggressive growth. However, if you’re interested in a little bit more stability or something that will help to diversify your portfolio, ABB is a smart choice. 

3. iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT)

The name iRobot might make you think of Isacc Asimov’s books or the Will Smith movie of the same name, but in this case, we’re talking about the company behind the Roomba and other autonomous home appliances.

The brand has been around for a while, but it is still the leading name in home robotics. While share prices declined slightly through 2019, the company is still poised for decades of potential growth.

4. Teradyne Inc. (NASDAQ: TER)

Teradyne creates automated test equipment and has recently made the jump into the robotics market. It’s currently working to create the largest collaborative robotics hub in the world.

The company also recently acquired three other robotics companies — MiR, Universal Robotics and Energid Technologies — to bring it into the robotics market. 

5. Deere and Co. (NYSE: DE)

Deere and Co. is a company that focuses on agricultural and construction equipment. It has recently expanded to include IoT sensors and other equipment designed to bring these industries into the 21st century.

This is a constantly growing industry, with the world population growing and everyone needing to eat. If you’re looking for a stock with some stability and almost guaranteed growth, Deere and Co. should be on your list. 

6. Cognex Corp. (NASDAQ: CGNX)

An autonomous robot is only as good as its programming and the eyes — or cameras — that it uses to see the world around it.

Cognex focuses on machine-vision technology, creating the kind of tools designers need to help their robots interact with the world around them. Its portfolio also includes everything from mobile phone technology to mediation and automobile tires.

7. Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN)

Now we’re getting into the realm of artificial intelligence. Nuance Communications creates conversational AI. You can find Nuance programs in all sorts of industries, from health care to automotive and everything in between.

It’s also one of the main developers behind Siri, Apple’s mobile virtual assistant. If you’re a fan of Apple products or have an iPhone in your pocket, Nuance Communications should definitely be in your portfolio. 

8. Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS)

The Internet of Things is growing every year, with smart devices popping up in every industry and creating a massive network. Cadence Design Systems develops software for building the integrated circuits that power these networked devices.

It’s also working toward making artificial intelligence for processors and data centers, a field that will likely experience exponential growth in the coming years. The last quarter of 2020 is the perfect time to invest in Cadence and get in on the ground floor. 

9. Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK)

Automation and robotics are quickly becoming the core of several different industries, from manufacturing and automotive to aerospace and medicine.

Rockwell Automation creates hardware, software, and all the bits and pieces you’ll need to automate nearly any function. Shares are a little pricey, but automation is the perfect place to invest for anyone interested in robotics stocks. 

10. AeroViroment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV)

AeroViroment is one of the country’s leading companies creating unmanned aerial systems for the U.S. Department of Defense. It has received millions of dollars in contracts from the DoD and the military and specializes in small hand-launched drones. 

Looking Toward 2021

We’re well into the last quarter of 2020, and now is the perfect time to start investing in robotics companies to diversify your portfolio.

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but these are among the best robotics stocks to invest in as we look toward 2021 and beyond.