We recently compiled a list of the 8 Best Robotics Stocks Under $10. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) stands against the other robotic stocks under $10.
The concept of lifelike machines performing human tasks is fascinating to some and unsettling to others. However, robotics is not about replacing humans; it’s about automating repetitive tasks to allow people more time for meaningful activities. Recent breakthroughs, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) services like ChatGPT, have accelerated the adoption of automation in organizations. Robotics is already transforming our everyday lives, from manufacturing and logistics to MedTech and even our homes, thus revolutionizing numerous industries and streamlining production lines in manufacturing. Most people interact with robots in some capacity. For example, Sony Group Corporation offers the AIBO series, an autonomous entertainment robot for the home, while iRobot Corporation provides Roomba robot vacuums for home cleaning. Additionally, companies like Alibaba Group Holding Limited and Amazon.com, Inc. use robots to automate warehouse management and customer product delivery.
According to Market Research Future, the global robotics market reached $59.7 billion in 2022 and is on an impressive growth trajectory. The market is expected to exceed $200 billion by 2030, driven by a projected 16.1% CAGR between 2023 and 2030. This growth reflects increasing robotics integration across various sectors. Reflecting this growth, a recent press release from the International Robot Federation (IFR) highlights significant investments in automation by U.S. manufacturing companies, with industrial robot installations rising by 12% to 44,303 units in 2023. The automotive industry emerged as the leading adopter of robots in the U.S., followed by the electrical and electronics sectors. The IFR reports that sales in the automotive segment increased by 1% in 2023, with a record 14,678 robots installed, building on a 47% increase in 2022 with 14,472 units installed.
The robotics industry thrives on healthy debates, and one of the most intense recent discussions centers around humanoid robots. Although this topic has been significant for decades, the rise of startups like 1X and Figure, along with projects from established companies like EV market leader Tesla, has brought humanoids back into the spotlight. Advocates argue that since our world is designed for humans, building robots in our image makes sense. Humanoid robots offer advantages in reach, the ability to navigate stairs, and dexterity.
In this context, the robotics industry has garnered attention from notable tech figures. Earlier this year, Bill Gates highlighted several “cutting-edge robotics startups and labs” that excite him, including three companies focused on developing humanoids. Gates started off with Agility Robotics, an American startup that has developed a human-centric, multipurpose robot designed for logistics work. This robot, roughly human-sized, can handle heavy loads and express “emotions” through LEDs on its face to improve interaction with human colleagues. Another notable initiative is Tevel, an Israeli startup deploying autonomous flying robots for continuous selective fruit picking, ensuring ripe apples are harvested around the clock. Gates also mentioned Apptronik, whose robots have the potential to assist astronauts on Moon or Mars missions.
Our Methodology
For this list, we sifted through various ETFs and internet rankings covering robotics stocks to compile an initial list. We then selected the top robotics stocks that were trading under $10 based on overall hedge fund sentiment toward each stock. This assessment was made using data from Insider Monkey’s database, which tracks 919 elite hedge funds as of the end of the first quarter of 2024. The list is organized in ascending order according to the number of hedge fund holders in each firm. Why do we track stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
A closeup of a self-driving hardware unit inside the dashboard of a passenger vehicle.
Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR)
Share Price as of June 11: $2.36
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Topping our list of the best robotics stocks under $10 is Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR), a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in self-driving vehicle technology, a crucial component for autonomous vehicles.
On May 20 at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas, Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) and Volvo Autonomous Solutions unveiled the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck, which Aurora plans to begin hauling freight with in the coming months. This unveiling is a significant step toward Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR)’s goal of commercializing self-driving trucks by the end of 2024. Initially, the company plans to transport freight between Dallas and Houston using up to 20 fully autonomous Class 8 trucks, with no human drivers on board.
The partnership with Volvo, established in March 2021, is a key component of Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR)’s commercialization strategy. The company has also initiated pilot programs with logistics companies such as FedEx, Ryder, Schneider, and Uber Freight. Earlier this January, Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR) and automotive supplier Continental completed the first phase of a project exceeding $300 million to mass-produce hardware for commercial self-driving trucks. The two companies finalized the design and system architecture for an autonomous vehicle hardware kit and developed a secondary computer system capable of taking over operations in case of a failure.
As of Q1 2024, 27 hedge funds held stakes in Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:AUR), according to Insider Monkey’s database of 919 hedge funds. These held a consolidated stake value of $160.8 million in the company.
Overall AUR ranks 1st on our list of the best robotics stocks to buy under $10. You can visit 8 Best Robotics Stocks Under $10. to see the other robotics stocks that are on hedge funds’ radar. While we acknowledge the potential of AUR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AUR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
