Have $2,000? 3 Top Robotics Stocks to Buy and Hold for at Least a Decade | The Motley Fool

The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with hardware is making robots smarter, more autonomous, and easier to program, which is dramatically reducing integration costs and boosting productivity. Persistent labor shortages across various sectors are also accelerating the need and adoption of these automation solutions. While industrial manufacturing remains a dominant segment, robotics adoption is rapidly expanding into healthcare (e.g., surgical robots), logistics, consumer service, and more. Investing in the global robotics industry can offer retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on this high-growth, long-term opportunity. If you have $2,000 to invest, here are three top robotics stocks riding the industry's growth wave that you might want to consider adding to your portfolio in the near term. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Intuitive Surgical Intuitive Surgical ( ISRG +0.11%) is the leading player in robotic-assisted surgery. Its flagship da Vinci surgical system was the first to commercialize this technology, which has not only created significant brand loyalty through the decades but also assured high barriers to entry for competitors. Although the da Vinci systems are expensive capital purchases for hospitals, the vast majority of the company's revenue (over 80%) comes from the recurring sales of instruments, accessories, and equipment maintenance services. The company's advantage is reinforced by several factors. For one, surgeons undergo extensive training on the da Vinci system, so hospitals are less likely to switch to a competitor's system. Intuitive has accumulated a large portfolio of regulatory approvals for various procedures over the decades, which is another significant hurdle for new entrants to match. NASDAQ: ISRG Key Data Points The millions of procedures performed using these systems have generated an unparalleled dataset that informs its research and development , improves clinical outcomes, and created an extensive data-driven competitive moat. Intuitive estimates its current addressable market for approved procedures is around three times its current footprint, so there's substantial room for future expansion. The continued rollout of the company's latest da Vinci 5 robotics system transitions the company to delivering an integrated, data-driven surgical platform. For the first time, surgeons can feel tissue tension and resistance through the instruments. This technology has been shown to reduce force exerted on tissue by up to 43%, which can lead to less trauma and potentially faster patient recovery. The da Vinci 5 launch has triggered a major upgrade cycle. In Q3 2025 alone, 141 trade-in transactions occurred, primarily from U.S. customers moving to the new system. Intuitive can refurbish older systems and sell them in cost-sensitive or emerging markets to broaden its installed base. In Q3 2025, Intuitive Surgical's total installed base of da Vinci systems rose 13% year over year, with revenue hitting $2.51 billion (up 23%), and GAAP ( generally accepted accounting principles ) net income growing 25% to $704 million. 2. Medtronic Ireland-based Medtronic 's ( MDT 0.04%) main surgical robotics product is the Hugo robotic assisted surgery system, a modular platform for minimally invasive surgery. The system is used in more than 30 countries for urologic, gynecological, and general...

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