The world of robotics is exploding with innovation and quickly transforming how we live and work. Canada is at the forefront of this revolution, with some of the most cutting-edge robotics companies in the world pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
For investors, Canada’s rapidly growing robotics industry presents a wealth of exciting opportunities to get in on the ground floor of this futuristic sector. In this article, we’ll dive into the top robotics stocks in Canada, highlighting the companies leading the charge in developing groundbreaking technologies that are set to shape the future.
From the latest advancements in automation to cutting-edge unmanned vehicles and beyond, we’ll take a deep dive into the exciting world of Canadian robotics and showcase the investment potential of this dynamic industry. So get ready to be inspired by the incredible innovation happening right here in Canada!
Why invest in Canadian Robotics Stocks?
There are several reasons why an investor might consider investing in robotics stocks in Canada:
- Growth potential: The robotics industry is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years as more industries adopt automation technologies. This could lead to increased demand for robotics solutions and potentially higher stock prices for companies in the robotics sector.
- Diversification: Investing in robotics stocks can provide diversification benefits to an investor’s portfolio, as the robotics industry is not heavily correlated with other sectors of the economy.
- Innovation: The robotics industry is known for its innovative technologies, which can make investing in robotics companies an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity.
- Government support: The Canadian government has made significant investments in the robotics sector in recent years, including funding for research and development, which could help drive growth and innovation in the industry.
- ESG considerations: Many robotics companies are focused on developing technologies that can help reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability, which can appeal to investors who prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
The Best Robotics Stocks in Canada to Invest In
Here are 10 Canadian company stocks that could provide exposure to robotics in Canada, along with a brief explanation of why they could be a good investment:
MDA Ltd. (MDA.TO)
MDA Ltd. should be a robotics company you take a look at. Although the company is primarily known for its expertise in space technology, it has also developed robotic systems and solutions for various applications, including medical robotics, industrial automation, and defence.
MDA has developed robotic systems for use in space, including the Canadarm, a robotic arm used on the International Space Station. In addition, the company has developed robotic systems for use in medical procedures, such as MRI-guided surgical robots, and industrial automation solutions, such as automated welding systems.
While MDA may not be exclusively focused on robotics, it is undoubtedly a key player in developing and applying robotic systems and technologies in Canada.
Ballard Power Systems (BLDP.TO)
Ballard Power Systems is a clean energy company specializing in fuel cell technology. The company’s fuel cells power various applications, including TSX-listed electric vehicles, buses, and trucks. Ballard Power Systems has also developed fuel cell systems for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotics applications.
Kraken Robotics (PNG.V)
Kraken Robotics Inc., a marine technology company, is a Canadian company specializing in developing and producing underwater robotic systems and technologies. The company’s products include Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and seabed mapping systems.
While Kraken Robotics may not be considered a traditional robotics company, it certainly falls under the broader category of robotics and automation technologies. Kraken’s AUVs and USVs are robotic systems designed to perform a range of underwater tasks, including seabed mapping, oceanography research, and offshore oil and gas exploration.
BlackBerry Limited (BB.TO)
Although best known for its mobile phone business, BlackBerry has invested in autonomous vehicles and robotics through its QNX software platform, which provides real-time operating systems and other software for use in automotive and industrial applications.
DeepGreen Metals Inc. (TSXV: DGM)
DeepGreen Metals is a company that specializes in developing technologies to extract metals and minerals from the ocean floor. In addition, the company is focused on developing robotic systems for deep-sea mining operations to reduce the environmental impact of traditional mining methods.
EXRO Technologies Inc. (TSXV: EXRO)
EXRO Technologies is a clean technology company developing advanced motor control systems. The company’s technology can be used in various applications, including robotics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
Canadian UAVs Inc. (CSE: UAV)
Canadian UAVs is a company that specializes in developing and operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various applications, including environmental monitoring, surveying, and search and rescue operations.
Shopify Inc. (SHOP.TO)
While not a robotics company per se, Shopify Inc. is a leading e-commerce platform that robotics companies increasingly use to sell their products online. As the use of robotics continues to grow, so too may the demand for e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
ABB Ltd. (NYSE: ABB)
ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies. The company’s robotics division develops and produces robots and robotic systems for various applications, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
iRobot Corporation (IRBT)
iRobot Corporation is a leading consumer robotics company that produces a variety of household robots, including the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner. The company’s technology is also used in military and security applications.
Hexagon AB (HEXA.ST)
Hexagon AB is a global leader in digital solutions, including design, engineering, and production software. In addition, the company’s robotics division develops and produces robots and robotic systems for use in manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Teradyne Inc. (TERA)
Teradyne Inc. is a company that specializes in automated test equipment and industrial automation solutions. The company’s robotics division develops and produces robots and robotic systems for use in manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Clearpath Robotics (private)
Clearpath Robotics is a company that specializes in unmanned vehicles and robotics for research and development. The company’s platforms are used in various industries, including mining, agriculture, and aerospace.
Kinova Robotics (private)
Kinova Robotics is a company that designs and manufactures lightweight robotic arms for research, manufacturing, and other applications. The company’s technology is used in various industries, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.
The company was founded in 2006 by Charles Deguire and Louis-Joseph Caron L’Écuyer and has since grown into a leading robotics company in Canada.
ATS Automation Tooling Systems (private)
ATS Automation Tooling Systems is a company that provides automation solutions for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. In addition, the company’s robotics division develops and produces robots and robotic systems for use in manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Boston Dynamics (Hyundai)
Boston Dynamics is not a Canadian company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. The company is well-known for developing advanced robotics technologies, including creating highly agile and mobile robots like the Spot and Atlas humanoid robots.
Boston Dynamics was acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in 2020, and the company continues to develop cutting-edge robotics solutions for various industries, including healthcare, construction, and defence.
While not a Canadian company, Boston Dynamics is a leading player in the global robotics industry and could be an attractive investment opportunity for investors looking to gain exposure to this exciting and rapidly growing field.
What Sectors Leverage Robotics in Canada?
Several sectors and industries in Canada are leveraging robotics and automation technologies to increase efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Some of the sectors and industries that are at the forefront of the robotics revolution in Canada include:
Manufacturing
Manufacturing has been one of the early adopters of robotics and automation technologies in Canada, with companies using robotics to streamline production processes and improve quality control. In particular, the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries have been leaders in implementing robotics and automation.
Healthcare
Robotics is increasingly used in healthcare in Canada, with applications ranging from surgical robots to assist with complex surgeries to exoskeletons that help patients with mobility issues. The healthcare industry also uses robotics for tasks such as medication dispensing, patient monitoring, and sterilization. Healthcare robotics companies like Microbot Medical, a preclinical medical technology company.
Agriculture
Robotics is being used to revolutionize agriculture in Canada, with robots being developed for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding. These robots can increase efficiency and reduce farmers’ labour costs while improving crops’ quality and consistency. Vertical farming companies also use it for automation.
Logistics and Warehousing
Robotics is being used in logistics and warehousing to improve efficiency in supply chain management. For example, robots can be used for tasks such as order picking, packing, and palletizing, allowing for faster and more accurate fulfillment of orders.
Mining
Robotics is being used in the mining industry in Canada to automate tasks such as drilling, blasting, and hauling. This can help increase efficiency and reduce costs while improving workers’ safety.
Defence
Robotics is being used in defence applications in Canada, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being developed for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes.
Overall, the robotics industry in Canada is rapidly growing and expanding into a wide range of sectors and industries as companies continue to develop new and innovative applications for robotics and automation technologies.
What’s the biggest robotics company in Canada?
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA.TO) is a highly respected Canadian robotics company with a rich history of developing cutting-edge robotics and automation technologies.
MDA has a well-known expertise in space technology, having developed the Canadarm and Dextre robotic systems used on the International Space Station. Additionally, MDA has developed robotic systems for various other applications, including medical robotics, industrial automation, and defence.
MDA’s success can be attributed to its strong research and development program, which allows the company to stay at the forefront of robotics and automation technologies.
The company invests heavily in R&D to develop new and innovative robotics systems and solutions that can be applied across various industries.
MDA’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of medical robotics solutions, such as MRI-guided surgical robots and radiation therapy systems, that have improved patient outcomes and reduced the complexity of medical procedures.
What are the top Robotics ETFs in Canada?
Here are some of the top Robotics ETFs available in Canada; most ETFs track robotics companies in the artificial intelligence industry.
Horizons Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO.TO)
The Horizons Robotics and Automation Index ETF tracks the performance of the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index, which comprises companies involved in developing and applying robotics and automation technologies. The ETF offers exposure to companies from various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and defence.
BMO Global High Dividend Covered Call ETF (ZWC.TO)
While not a robotics ETF specifically, the BMO Global High Dividend Covered Call ETF includes exposure to several robotics and automation companies, such as ABB Ltd. and Rockwell Automation Inc. The ETF also provides exposure to companies in other sectors, including telecommunications, utilities, and financials. If you want returns, you should look at exchange-traded funds that hold Canadian dividend-paying stocks.
Evolve Innovation Index ETF (EDGE.TO)
The Evolve Innovation Index ETF tracks the performance of the Solactive Innovative Industries Index, which includes companies at the forefront of innovation in various industries, including robotics and automation, as well as healthcare, renewable energy, and e-commerce.
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO.TO)
The iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides exposure to companies involved in developing and applying robotics and artificial intelligence technologies. The ETF comprises companies from various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and financials.
Will You Invest in Canadian Robotics?
In conclusion, investing in robotics stocks in Canada can be an excellent opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the rapid growth of the robotics and automation industry. With several notable robotics companies based in Canada, including MDA and Kinova Robotics, there are a variety of investment opportunities available.
Additionally, several robotics ETFs are available that provide exposure to a diverse range of companies involved in developing and applying robotics and automation technologies.
As the demand for robotics and automation technologies continues to increase across various industries, investing in this exciting and rapidly growing field could provide investors with strong long-term growth potential.
As with any investment, it’s essential to do your due diligence and carefully consider the risks and potential rewards before making investment decisions.