AI companies (even those outside the tech sector) have been the recipients of substantial investor attention in recent years, but industrials are among the top-performing sectors so far in 2026. After a period of navigating technology and finding potential applications, companies behind factory automation may be poised for a breakout as manufacturers move to implement AI tools in new ways. Those firms in both the industrial and tech sectors with an interest in machine vision, robotics, and other types of automation could benefit from a new investment cycle.
With PwC anticipating that industrial manufacturers will more than double their usage of automation by 2030, now may be a good opportunity to consider the standout automation names below. An added benefit for investors is that these companies may reap the rewards of AI while providing some essential diversification away from the most popular names in that industry.
