Top Robotics Shares to Consider Investing in Now for Strong Profits

Revised version of the January 6, 2026 article.

U.S. Robotics Industry Surges Ahead in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, the American robotics sector is experiencing remarkable momentum, marked by significant commercial achievements, robust venture capital investments, and key regulatory advancements. These factors are solidifying the United States’ leadership in the global automation landscape. Robots are now moving beyond experimental phases and becoming integral to industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. This evolution presents attractive prospects for investors interested in companies such as Intuitive Surgical, Teradyne, Nvidia, and Trimble.

Physical AI Sparks a New Era of Expansion

During CES 2026, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang announced that robotics has reached its "ChatGPT moment," introducing the Rubin AI platform, Cosmos world foundation models, and new open-source physical AI tools. The International Federation of Robotics reported that global industrial robot installations hit a record value of $16.7 billion. Boston Dynamics launched the production-ready Atlas humanoid robot, capable of 56 degrees of freedom and lifting up to 110 pounds, now operational at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Georgia and powered by Google DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics AI. Microsoft contributed to the sector’s acceleration by unveiling Rho-alpha, the first robotics model based on its Phi series, which enables physical AI systems to perceive, reason, and act with greater independence.

Unprecedented Funding and Market Outlook

In 2025, global robotics investments exceeded $10.3 billion, the highest since 2021. Figure AI alone secured over $1 billion at a $39 billion valuation. The medical robotics market is expected to grow from $18.32 billion in 2026 to $72.54 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.62%. The humanoid robotics market is projected to expand at an impressive 39.2% CAGR. The overall global robotics market is anticipated to reach $124.37 billion, highlighting strong, long-term growth drivers for investors.

Key Developments: January–February 2026

• Surgical Robotics: Medtronic’s Hugo system received FDA approval for urologic surgeries, while Johnson & Johnson submitted a de novo FDA application for Ottava in general surgery, intensifying competition with Intuitive Surgical, which anticipates 13–15% growth in da Vinci procedures this year.
• Elder Care Robotics: A report forecasts the elder care robotics market to rise from $3.38 billion in 2025 to $9.85 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 14.2%, fueled by aging populations. Ongoing U.S.-China tariffs are increasing component costs but also encouraging domestic supply chain investments.
• Collaborative Robotics: Teradyne Robotics launched a new U.S. Operations Hub in Metro Detroit. Nearly 50% of U.S. small and medium manufacturers now utilize collaborative robots (cobots), up from 27% two years ago, typically achieving returns on investment within 12 to 36 months.
• Defense and Space Robotics: The U.S. Army introduced an AI and machine learning officer specialty in January 2026. The Pentagon’s $13.4 billion budget for autonomous systems and Astrobotic’s upcoming lunar mission underscore the rapid growth of defense and space robotics.

Investment Perspective and Future Trends

While trade disputes continue to pose challenges, they are also prompting increased domestic manufacturing investments. The Association for Advancing Automation has called on the Trump administration to implement a national robotics strategy. With physical AI now essential, and both private capital and policymakers aligned, the deployment of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories makes 2026 an opportune time to invest in this transformative sector.

The Robotics Screen offers a streamlined way to identify promising stocks, including those highlighted here. These advanced screening tools help investors spot companies driving the next wave of innovation and capitalize on emerging trends.

Interested in more high-impact investment themes? Discover 30 innovative opportunities with Zacks Thematic Screens and find your next major investment idea.

Company Highlights

• Intuitive Surgical: The company’s leadership in robotic surgery is entering a dynamic phase. In January 2026, the FDA approved the da Vinci 5 robot for nine cardiac procedures, including mitral valve repair and left atrial appendage closure, opening new possibilities in surgery. In 2025, da Vinci procedures grew by 18%, with the latest model achieving 11% higher utilization than previous versions. Banner Health upgraded all 49 of its systems to da Vinci 5 in February 2026. With expanding use in general, acute, and cardiac surgery, Intuitive Surgical is well-positioned to deepen hospital partnerships and extend robotic-assisted care into new areas. See the full list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
• Teradyne: The company’s robotics segment is thriving in 2026. Universal Robots, Teradyne’s flagship cobot brand, showcased a new palletizing solution at CES 2026, integrating the UR20 cobot arm with Siemens’ Digital Twin Composer software. Teradyne Robotics also launched ElevateX 2026 in Bengaluru, expanding its presence in Asia’s manufacturing markets. With a new U.S. Operations Hub in Michigan, Teradyne is well-placed to benefit from the global re-industrialization trend.
• Nvidia: Nvidia is establishing itself as the core platform for physical AI and robotics. At CES 2026, the company introduced a comprehensive robotics suite, including the Isaac GR00T N1 foundation model, the Newton open-source physics engine (developed with Google DeepMind and Disney Research), and the Jetson T4000 module powered by Blackwell, offering four times greater energy efficiency. In February 2026, Nvidia partnered with leading U.S. manufacturers and robotics firms to drive reindustrialization using Omniverse digital twins and collaborative robots. With over 250,000 robotics developers on its platform, Nvidia is uniquely positioned for the coming surge in intelligent, autonomous machines.
• Trimble: Trimble is building a robust robotics business centered on precision positioning. In January 2026, its RTX and ProPoint Go technologies powered Lucid Gravity’s hands-free driver-assistance systems, demonstrating Trimble’s ability to support large-scale autonomous robotics platforms. The company also expanded its machine control distribution through West Side Tractor, boosting adoption of automated construction robotics in the Midwest. Ongoing integration with Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots for autonomous jobsite scanning further highlights Trimble’s strategic role across multiple robotics sectors.

Top Analyst’s “Best Pick to Double”

Out of thousands of stocks, five Zacks experts have each selected their top choice expected to soar by 100% or more in the coming months. From these, Director of Research Sheraz Mian has identified the one with the greatest potential for explosive growth.

This company appeals to millennial and Gen Z consumers, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter. A recent dip in its stock price presents an attractive entry point. While not all top picks achieve their targets, this one could outperform previous Zacks selections like Nano-X Imaging, which gained over 129% in just nine months.

Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up

Additional Resources

Looking for the latest stock recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Download the 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days: Click to get this free report

• Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG): Free Stock Analysis Report
• NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Trimble Inc. (TRMB): Free Stock Analysis Report
• Teradyne, Inc. (TER): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article was first published by Zacks Investment Research.

Zacks Investment Research