This Aspect of the AI Supercycle Is Completely Under the Radar Right Now

Memory chips and data centers are important, but rising spending in this part of the tech world may catch some investors by surprise.

By Marc Guberti – Oct 1, 2026 at 5:51AM EST

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Key Points

Tech giants are committing more capital to robotics, an industry that may surge thanks to artificial intelligence.
Humanoid robots that can perform various chores and tasks are still years away.
Many of the same AI stocks that have captured headlines in recent years are poised to benefit from this aspect of the AI revolution, too, but a few pure plays with lesser-known technology may offer greater upside potential.

Businesses that sell AI processors, memory products, and AI agents have been in the spotlight lately as investors look for the next opportunities to profit from the broad AI trend. However, there is an emerging supercycle that remains relatively under the radar.

Robotics is the big opportunity. The rapid expansion in their use is already happening in warehouses. For example, Amazon's (AMZN -0.93%) Proteus robots are enhancing efficiency within its massive fulfillment operation. But that's far from the only example, and this growing industry can offer some lucrative opportunities to investors.

Image source: Getty Images.

Humanoid robots are getting closer to mainstream

Anytime multiple tech companies commit vast amounts of resources and capital to a single industry, it's worth paying attention. Tesla's (TSLA +1.16%) main long-term thesis today is that its Optimus humanoid robots will become mainstream products, handling an array of tasks for consumers.

The Optimus vision represents a shift from robots in the warehouse to robots that can perform everyday tasks such as doing laundry, mowing lawns, and washing dishes. Grand View Research projects a 25% compound annual growth rate for the consumer robotics market through 2030.

This isn't science fiction, either. Self-driving vehicles are already on the streets, with Alphabet's (GOOG -1.00%) (GOOGL -1.08%) Waymo delivering more than 500,000 paid rides per week as of the end of the first quarter.

Furthermore, Chinese manufacturing giant BYD (BYDDY +1.25%) recently unveiled its Xiao Di humanoid robot. It's designed to assist retail customers, and its debut indicates how quickly robots are evolving. President Donald Trump has long expressed his desire for the U.S. to beat China in the AI race, so BYD's robotics advancements could lead to the administration investing more heavily in the industry domestically.

Warehouse gains are still building

While humanoid robots that can handle household chores remain years away from commercial availability, warehouse units continue to get more advanced. Amazon's Proteus robots can now move goods weighing up to 1,300 pounds and understand directions given in plain, conversational language, per the company's Q2 earnings release.

Some AI bears are concerned that the growing use of robots will lead to a loss of blue-collar jobs, but that has not been the case at Amazon. The tech giant is ramping up hiring for its warehouse workers even as its tens of thousands of corporate layoffs capture headlines.

Symbotic (SYM +1.82%) is also seeing increased adoption of its warehouse robots. Sales increased by 22% year over year in its fiscal 2026 third quarter. Symbotic's customer list includes Walmart and Target.

The International Federation of Robotics estimates that as of the end of 2025, 5 million robots operated in factories globally, including 603,000 units installed that year. The Federation highlighted China as the leader, with 354,200 new robotic units, while second-place U.S. only added 38,400 units. This gap further highlights the amount of ground the Trump administration will have to help the U.S. make up if it intends for the country to keep up with China in this industry.

What stocks benefit the most?

Key AI themes that are already in the spotlight will benefit. Robots need AI processor chips, memory chips, data centers, and AI infrastructure services to function properly. That positions companies like Nvidia, Micron, and Nebius well to profit from a growing robotics market.

However, there are some subtle investment opportunities that are robot-specific and haven't gained as much traction as big chipmakers.

Himax Technologies (HIMX +0.36%) is rebranding itself as a smart vision company. Its 3D sensing chips and platform help robots see the world. It's also producing key technology for next-generation smart glasses.

Similarly, Synaptics (SYNA +0.84%) produces tactile touch controllers that help robots' hands and legs function the way that humans' do, so they can move faster and operate more safely. Synaptics has agreed to be acquired by ON Semiconductor (ON +0.34%) in a transaction that's expected to close in mid-2027.

AI chips and memory chips have the spotlight, and tech giants offer exposure to robotics. However, pure plays like Himax Technologies and Synaptics may deserve more attention as the robotics supercycle comes upon us.