8 Robotics & Automation Companies to Keep Your Eye On

Small(er) robotics and automation companies are really seeing some strong performance through the first half of the year. We are seeing a shift away from the larger names and a much larger appetite for "risk on" ideas and solid innovation by multiple players across the sector.

Most especially, drone and aerospace technology are leading the way. But we are seeing multiple successes from various smaller AI plays and healthcare robotics are starting to perk up a bit as well.

Here are 8 companies you might want to keep your eyes on:

Symbotic (SYM): $62.25. SYM is a leader in warehouse automation and robotics, primarily serving large retailers such as Walmart (87% of revenue) and Amazon. In Q2, SYM had standout results with 40% year-over-year revenue growth to ~$550 million, and EBITDA tripled year over year from $9M to $35M. This is due to improved installation efficiency and tighter operations. In early July, the stock jumped 13.5% driven by optimistic Q3 guidance( expected revenue ~$536 million, earnings per share up ~250% year over year). A UBS survey highlighting the continued shift towards automation in warehousing also increased investor confidence. SYM rose ~39% in July.

Rocket Lab (RKLB): $44.41. RKLB specializes in small to medium lift orbital launches, a full stack satellite service (Photon), and developing the reusable Neutron rocket targeting government and commercial missions. In July, RKLB rose ~30% when Citi upgraded its price target to $50, and KeyBanc increased its price to $40. This shows demand for Electron launch services, satellite systems, and success toward Neutron deployment. Additional momentum came when the feud between Elon Musk and President Trump arose, where investors speculated that RKLB could benefit if SpaceX faced political or contract risks. 

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (KTOS): $59.73. KTOS delivers unmanned aerial systems (drones), hypersonic platforms, satellite and cyber systems, and training solutions to U.S. defense clients. KTOS rose about 27% in July, led by the Defense Department’s policy change, lifting procurement restrictions to accelerate domestic drone purchases. This shift caused shares to rise about 12% in mid-July. Analysts also raised targets, Stifel Nicolaus to $70, RBC to $50, increasing investor confidence while KTOS is reaching a multi-year price high. Additionally, KTOS has $12.6 billion worth of potential or pending contracts, and is receiving 20% more in new orders than it is billing for currently. 

Microbot Medical Inc (MBOT)

• LIBERTY is the first fully disposable, robotic assisted system for endovascular procedure, offering a safer alternative to manual catheterization.

• ACCESS-PVI trial results showed 100% success in robotic navigation, important for FDA 510(k) submission process.

• Positioned in a rapidly growing $20B+ interventional market, targeting unmet needs in radiation exposure and remote surgery.

• Strong IP portfolio with 50+ patents; strategic barrier to entry in a highly specialized space.

• Management recently raised $13M in non dilutive capital, giving 12–18 months of operational runway.

• Anticipated FDA clearance in late 2025 and commercialization.

BigBear.ai Holdings Inc (BBAI)

• AI driven intelligence solutions to defense, logistics, and cybersecurity sectors - key growth in a world of rising geopolitical risk.

• Benefiting from multi million dollar U.S. Air Force and Army contracts.

• Recent acquisition of Pangiam adds biometric and facial recognition strength to its AI analytics stack.

• Improving financial profile with narrowing losses and growing backlog (~$217M+ in late 2024).

• Commercial segment scaling through strategic partnerships in transportation and supply chain.

• High short interest and low float add momentum trading potential during bullish cycles.

Rainbow Robotics (277810.KQ)

• Manufactures collaborative and bipedal humanoid robots, with R&D capabilities out of KAIST (Korea’s MIT equivalent).

• Samsung invested ~43 million for a 10% stake, signaling strong strategic alignment.

• Key player in South Korea’s national robotics strategy, benefitting from local subsidies and industrial automation policies.

• Ongoing product development with applications in logistics, healthcare, and smart manufacturing.

• Expanding into industrial cobots (collaborative robots)—a $10B+ market by 2030.

• Trading momentum driven by national interest and strategic relevance to chaebol (conglomerate) automation.

Symbotic Inc (SYM)

• Warehouse automation platform combining AI, robotics, and computer vision for high-throughput fulfillment centers.

• Exclusive automation partner to Walmart, with deals to modernize >1,000 distribution centers by 2028.

• Joint venture with SoftBank (GreenBox) to deploy automation globally, with a $7.5B market opportunity across North America and Asia.

• High-margin software and recurring revenue model built into long-term contracts.

• Q1 2025 revenue of $450M, up 98% YoY; maintains ~85% gross margins on software-related solutions.

• Competitive with deep integration and proprietary AI and vision tech not easily replicated.

Palantir Technologies Inc-A (PLTR)

• Government segment fueled by surging U.S. defense and intelligence contracts, especially in battlefield AI (TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE platform).

• Commercial growth accelerating the Foundry and AIP (Artificial Intelligence Platform) with traction in pharma, energy, and manufacturing.

• Achieved four consecutive quarters of profitability.

• Management guided for 25%+ adjusted operating margins and strong free cash flow conversion.

• Strong insider ownership (CEO Alex Karp + Peter Thiel) creates alignment; Karp noted PLTR “has just entered its monetization decade.”

• Trading momentum aided by AI sector enthusiasm.