What is the investment logic in the era of robots? Instead of blindly following the trend, it’s better to systematically analyze from the perspective of the industry chain.
**Level 1: Brain and Nervous System (Software and Computing)**
Imagine the robot’s brain. In terms of foundational models, Baidu, Meta, Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft have already invested astronomical amounts in AI training. These companies hold the underlying logic of robot "thinking."
What about data processing and analysis? That’s where Palantir, Oracle, and Microsoft come in—they are responsible for enabling robots to "understand" the world. And don’t underestimate cybersecurity; Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk are virtually fortresses in the era of interconnected robots.
Looking at simulation and vision—Meta, Google, Nvidia, Take-Two, Roblox, Unity, Siemens are all competing here. Why? Because robots must learn in virtual worlds before acting in the real world.
The chip sector is the most fiercely competitive area. Intel, Nvidia, Mobileye, Qualcomm, Ambarella, plus new players like Horizon Robotics, are all fighting for the visual and computing chip market share. On the chip design and manufacturing chain, companies like Arm, Synopsys, Kengte Electronic, TSMC, and Intel are all preparing for the robot era.
**Level 2: Body and Actuators (Hardware and Drives)**
No matter how advanced the software, hardware execution is essential. What does a robot’s "body" need?
Basic components like bearings and gear reducers—RBC Bearings, Timken, Regal Rexnord—provide stable supply over the long term. For integrated actuators, Moog and Regal Rexnord are developing system-level solutions. For motors, Sensata and Renesas Electronics have their strengths, while Novanta and Sensata lead in encoders with deep technical expertise.
Don’t overlook rare earth and magnetic materials—MP Materials and other upstream suppliers are stockpiling "power" for global robots.
Sensors are the most critical part. In radar and LiDAR, Magnar, Intel, Aptiv, and Teledyne have heavyweight products. Magnetic sensors use Allegro, while torque and vision sensors are mainly developed by Teledyne, Intel, ON Semiconductor, and TE Connectivity. Sony’s image sensor chips are almost standard in robot vision.
In batteries, leading players like CATL determine the robot’s endurance. In the analog chip ecosystem, companies like Allegro, Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, ON Semiconductor, Infineon, and Renesas provide the "nerves" of robots.
The seemingly insignificant components like chassis, cooling, and connectivity—Magnar, Amphenol, TE Connectivity, Aptiv—are where these companies make substantial profits.
**Level 3: System Integration and Intelligent Manufacturing**
Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Siemens—these automation veterans have long been preparing for the robot era. Their industrial control and integration solutions are becoming standard configurations for factory intelligence.
**Level 4: Integrators and End-User Applications**
This is where the real money lies. Tesla’s humanoid robot project has caused a stir, Alibaba and Amazon’s warehouse robots are already operational, and Sony and Apple are eager to develop consumer-grade robots. Traditional automaker Toyota has accumulated significant experience in robotics, while new forces like Xpeng and BYD are increasing their investments in automation production.
There are also specialized robot companies like UBTECH, as well as industry giants such as GAC, Midea, Tencent, and Xiaomi Group, each playing a key role in a specific segment of the robot industry chain.
**Summary of Investment Logic**
The robotics industry is not about single-point breakthroughs but about upgrading the entire chain. From chip design to hardware integration, from sensors to actuators, from software algorithms to end-user applications—companies in every segment have opportunities. The key is to decide which direction to bet on—stable returns from chip suppliers or explosive growth potential from integrators. Competition in this track will intensify by 2026, so early deployment is essential to avoid falling behind.
View Original
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
10 Likes
Reward
10
7
Repost
Share
Comment
0/400
SatoshiHeir
· 5h ago
It should be pointed out that although the industry chain disassembly framework in this article appears to be complete, there is a fundamental logical flaw—overestimating the investment value of hardware. Based on on-chain capital flow data, the real profits are always in the software and algorithm layers; hardware suppliers are just the leeks of the leeks.
View OriginalReply0
HappyMinerUncle
· 5h ago
Full-chain integration of chips, hardware, and software is indeed not a single-point game, but to be honest, the risk of chasing highs now is a bit high... I still think that leading companies in sensors and motors are more reliable.
View OriginalReply0
ColdWalletAnxiety
· 5h ago
The chip supply chain is indeed a long-term bread and butter, but the true explosion depends on who can be the first to implement end-user applications... I remain skeptical about Tesla's humanoid robot approach.
Talking about the industry chain alone is useless; the key is who can reduce costs. Otherwise, no matter how impressive the plan, it's just a PPT.
2026? Feeling pessimistic. This track is expected to accelerate faster than imagined. Now is the time to get on board.
But speaking of which, the clue from CATL is interesting; battery range is really the Achilles' heel of robots.
Forget it, better to focus on securing the chip supply first. Stable cash flow is more reliable than dreams...
View OriginalReply0
SelfSovereignSteve
· 5h ago
The industry chain breakdown is quite detailed, but honestly, before 2026, it still depends on whether NVIDIA can keep winning, and the rest are just along for the ride.
View OriginalReply0
AlgoAlchemist
· 5h ago
The chip industry has really become extremely competitive, and it seems like every player wants a share of the pie.
View OriginalReply0
RunWhenCut
· 6h ago
Here comes another robot investment article. It seems everyone is talking about industry chain breakdown, but the real money is still with those few oligopolists... Nvidia, TSMC, and other chip manufacturers have long locked in their tracks. Can latecomers really share the pie? I feel like we should keep a close eye on Tesla and Musk's movements. When they move, the market goes crazy.
View OriginalReply0
degenonymous
· 6h ago
The silicon-based revolution is here, but the question is who will survive until 2026 to make money.
What is the investment logic in the era of robots? Instead of blindly following the trend, it’s better to systematically analyze from the perspective of the industry chain.
**Level 1: Brain and Nervous System (Software and Computing)**
Imagine the robot’s brain. In terms of foundational models, Baidu, Meta, Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft have already invested astronomical amounts in AI training. These companies hold the underlying logic of robot "thinking."
What about data processing and analysis? That’s where Palantir, Oracle, and Microsoft come in—they are responsible for enabling robots to "understand" the world. And don’t underestimate cybersecurity; Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk are virtually fortresses in the era of interconnected robots.
Looking at simulation and vision—Meta, Google, Nvidia, Take-Two, Roblox, Unity, Siemens are all competing here. Why? Because robots must learn in virtual worlds before acting in the real world.
The chip sector is the most fiercely competitive area. Intel, Nvidia, Mobileye, Qualcomm, Ambarella, plus new players like Horizon Robotics, are all fighting for the visual and computing chip market share. On the chip design and manufacturing chain, companies like Arm, Synopsys, Kengte Electronic, TSMC, and Intel are all preparing for the robot era.
**Level 2: Body and Actuators (Hardware and Drives)**
No matter how advanced the software, hardware execution is essential. What does a robot’s "body" need?
Basic components like bearings and gear reducers—RBC Bearings, Timken, Regal Rexnord—provide stable supply over the long term. For integrated actuators, Moog and Regal Rexnord are developing system-level solutions. For motors, Sensata and Renesas Electronics have their strengths, while Novanta and Sensata lead in encoders with deep technical expertise.
Don’t overlook rare earth and magnetic materials—MP Materials and other upstream suppliers are stockpiling "power" for global robots.
Sensors are the most critical part. In radar and LiDAR, Magnar, Intel, Aptiv, and Teledyne have heavyweight products. Magnetic sensors use Allegro, while torque and vision sensors are mainly developed by Teledyne, Intel, ON Semiconductor, and TE Connectivity. Sony’s image sensor chips are almost standard in robot vision.
In batteries, leading players like CATL determine the robot’s endurance. In the analog chip ecosystem, companies like Allegro, Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, ON Semiconductor, Infineon, and Renesas provide the "nerves" of robots.
The seemingly insignificant components like chassis, cooling, and connectivity—Magnar, Amphenol, TE Connectivity, Aptiv—are where these companies make substantial profits.
**Level 3: System Integration and Intelligent Manufacturing**
Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Siemens—these automation veterans have long been preparing for the robot era. Their industrial control and integration solutions are becoming standard configurations for factory intelligence.
**Level 4: Integrators and End-User Applications**
This is where the real money lies. Tesla’s humanoid robot project has caused a stir, Alibaba and Amazon’s warehouse robots are already operational, and Sony and Apple are eager to develop consumer-grade robots. Traditional automaker Toyota has accumulated significant experience in robotics, while new forces like Xpeng and BYD are increasing their investments in automation production.
There are also specialized robot companies like UBTECH, as well as industry giants such as GAC, Midea, Tencent, and Xiaomi Group, each playing a key role in a specific segment of the robot industry chain.
**Summary of Investment Logic**
The robotics industry is not about single-point breakthroughs but about upgrading the entire chain. From chip design to hardware integration, from sensors to actuators, from software algorithms to end-user applications—companies in every segment have opportunities. The key is to decide which direction to bet on—stable returns from chip suppliers or explosive growth potential from integrators. Competition in this track will intensify by 2026, so early deployment is essential to avoid falling behind.