AI Robots to Surpass Human Workforce in Coming Decades
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ROK?
Source: CNBC
- Surge in AI Robots: Former Citi executive Rob Garlick predicts that the number of AI robots will reach 1.3 billion by 2035 and exceed 4 billion by 2050, indicating that the relentless pursuit of cost-cutting by firms will lead to the replacement of human labor.
- Short Payback Period: A Citi report reveals that a $15,000 robot can break even in just 3.8 weeks when replacing a $41 per hour human job, showcasing the significant economic advantages of AI technology and intensifying the pressure on human employment.
- Widespread Adoption of AI Agents: Microsoft's Work Trend Index indicates that 80% of leaders expect to integrate AI agents into their strategies within the next 12 to 18 months, which are software programs capable of completing tasks with minimal human direction, further reducing the need for human resources.
- Layoff Wave Intensifies: As AI technology becomes more prevalent, major companies like Amazon and Salesforce have cited it as a reason for thousands of job cuts, with the IMF warning that AI's impact on the labor market is akin to a tsunami, leaving many countries and businesses unprepared.
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Analyst Views on ROK
Wall Street analysts forecast ROK stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 351.500
Low
105.00
Averages
406.87
High
470.00
Current: 351.500
Low
105.00
Averages
406.87
High
470.00
About ROK
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is engaged in industrial automation and digital transformation. The Company operates in three segments: Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. The Intelligent Devices segment portfolio includes power control, motion control, safety, sensing, and industrial components, and micro control and distributed input/output. The Software & Control operating segment contains a comprehensive portfolio of production automation and production operations platforms, including hardware and software. This integrated portfolio is merging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), bringing the benefits of the Connected Enterprise to the production system. The Lifecycle Services segment includes consulting services, including cybersecurity and digital transformation strategy and design and professional services, including global automation and information program and project management and delivery capabilities, and connected services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Educational Potential: Melania Trump promoted the use of the robot for AI in children's education, suggesting that such robots could become interactive educators at home, which could significantly enhance the technological aspect of family education and its societal implications.
- Funding and Valuation: Figure AI raised over $1 billion in its Series C funding round in September, achieving a post-money valuation of $39 billion, with plans to deploy thousands of robots in homes and logistics, reflecting strong investor enthusiasm for physical AI.
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- Real-Time Optimization Capability: By embedding AI directly into operations, the company achieves real-time optimization and predictive insights, ensuring autonomous control in complex industrial environments while meeting safety and compliance requirements.
- Digital Twin Applications: During the event, Rockwell will demonstrate its Emulate3D™ digital twin software and Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, facilitating the transition from traditional automation to outcome-driven autonomous operations for manufacturers.
- Partner Network Showcase: In addition to its dedicated booth, Rockwell will exhibit alongside its extensive PartnerNetwork™ ecosystem, attracting attendees to explore a diverse range of technological solutions.
See More
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- Smart Manufacturing Transformation: Rockwell Automation will showcase at Hannover Messe how it helps manufacturers accelerate their transition from automation to autonomy through industrial-grade AI and embedded intelligence, which is expected to significantly enhance productivity and product quality.
- Real-Time Optimization Capabilities: By embedding AI directly into operational processes, the company achieves real-time optimization and predictive insights, enhancing customer competitiveness in digital transformation within complex industrial environments.
- Digital Twin Applications: At the event, Rockwell will demonstrate its Emulate3D™ digital twin software and Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, enabling manufacturers to achieve scalable autonomous operations while meeting safety and compliance requirements, driving business outcomes.
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- Data-Driven Innovation: This collaboration will provide Google with real-world deployment data, which is crucial for competing in the AI space, particularly in manufacturing, thereby strengthening its market position.
- Technology Integration and Application: With over 20,000 robotic systems deployed globally, Agile Robots will integrate Google's technology into existing industrial robots, expected to accelerate the development of high-value industrial applications and solidify Google's leadership in robotics.
- Future Development Potential: Carolina Parada, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, stated that this partnership will drive the development of more advanced AI models, marking a significant long-term investment by Google in robotics and its commitment to the future of manufacturing.
See More
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- Investment Theme Analysis: Oppenheimer outlined five investable themes, including the physical-to-digital connection, emphasizing the value of sensors and data pipelines, with companies in this space expected to benefit from automation trends, including Aeva Technologies and Tesla.
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See More
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- Cost Cuts Boost Margins: ROK has reduced its workforce by about 12% in 2024 and aims to improve margins through product rationalization and a focus on higher-value software, with expectations that margins will improve as volumes recover, demonstrating the company's commitment to structural cost control.
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- Share Repurchase Plans: ZBRA intends to actively repurchase shares following a recent decline in stock price, with analysts suggesting that this move could support returns if business conditions stabilize, reflecting the company's confidence in future market prospects.
See More
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- High-Profile Showcase: The White House hosted its first humanoid robot, Figure 3, during the Global Coalition Summit, showcasing advancements in U.S. humanoid robotics and highlighting the technology's significance in global tech competition, likely boosting brand recognition for Figure AI.
- Educational Potential: Melania Trump promoted the use of the robot for AI in children's education, suggesting that such robots could become interactive educators at home, which could significantly enhance the technological aspect of family education and its societal implications.
- Funding and Valuation: Figure AI raised over $1 billion in its Series C funding round in September, achieving a post-money valuation of $39 billion, with plans to deploy thousands of robots in homes and logistics, reflecting strong investor enthusiasm for physical AI.
- Legal Risk Awareness: The ongoing lawsuit against Figure AI may be reexamined due to Melania's endorsement, as a former safety head alleged safety concerns regarding the robots, emphasizing the need for safety standards in humanoid robotics development, which could impact the company's reputation and future growth.
See More
Rockwell Automation Showcases AI in Manufacturing at Hannover Messe
- Smart Manufacturing Transformation: Rockwell Automation will showcase at Hannover Messe how it helps manufacturers transition from automation to autonomy through industrial-grade AI and embedded intelligence, enhancing productivity and quality while driving business growth.
- Real-Time Optimization Capability: By embedding AI directly into operations, the company achieves real-time optimization and predictive insights, ensuring autonomous control in complex industrial environments while meeting safety and compliance requirements.
- Digital Twin Applications: During the event, Rockwell will demonstrate its Emulate3D™ digital twin software and Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, facilitating the transition from traditional automation to outcome-driven autonomous operations for manufacturers.
- Partner Network Showcase: In addition to its dedicated booth, Rockwell will exhibit alongside its extensive PartnerNetwork™ ecosystem, attracting attendees to explore a diverse range of technological solutions.
See More
Rockwell Automation Showcases AI in Manufacturing at Hannover Messe 2026
- Smart Manufacturing Transformation: Rockwell Automation will showcase at Hannover Messe how it helps manufacturers accelerate their transition from automation to autonomy through industrial-grade AI and embedded intelligence, which is expected to significantly enhance productivity and product quality.
- Real-Time Optimization Capabilities: By embedding AI directly into operational processes, the company achieves real-time optimization and predictive insights, enhancing customer competitiveness in digital transformation within complex industrial environments.
- Digital Twin Applications: At the event, Rockwell will demonstrate its Emulate3D™ digital twin software and Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, enabling manufacturers to achieve scalable autonomous operations while meeting safety and compliance requirements, driving business outcomes.
- Partner Network Showcase: In addition to its dedicated booth, Rockwell will exhibit alongside partners like AWS and Microsoft, showcasing its extensive range of technological solutions and attracting more industry participants to its innovative capabilities.
See More
Google Partners with Agile Robots to Advance Robotics Technology
- Partnership Formation: Google has partnered with Agile Robots to integrate Gemini Robotics foundation models with Agile's intelligent robotic hardware, aiming to enhance efficiency in manufacturing applications, highlighting Google's strategic focus on robotics.
- Data-Driven Innovation: This collaboration will provide Google with real-world deployment data, which is crucial for competing in the AI space, particularly in manufacturing, thereby strengthening its market position.
- Technology Integration and Application: With over 20,000 robotic systems deployed globally, Agile Robots will integrate Google's technology into existing industrial robots, expected to accelerate the development of high-value industrial applications and solidify Google's leadership in robotics.
- Future Development Potential: Carolina Parada, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, stated that this partnership will drive the development of more advanced AI models, marking a significant long-term investment by Google in robotics and its commitment to the future of manufacturing.
See More
AI Sparks Potential Blue-Collar Renaissance Amid Job Disruption Fears
- Blue-Collar Employment Revival: Oppenheimer analysts suggest that while AI may rapidly displace white-collar jobs, it could simultaneously drive demand for blue-collar roles, particularly in manufacturing, with employment projected to remain below pre-pandemic levels by 2026.
- Investment Theme Analysis: Oppenheimer outlined five investable themes, including the physical-to-digital connection, emphasizing the value of sensors and data pipelines, with companies in this space expected to benefit from automation trends, including Aeva Technologies and Tesla.
- Automation Tools Opportunity: The analysts identified automation tools that can reskill transitioning workforces, recommending companies like Caterpillar and Rockwell Automation, which enhance worksite experiences through task automation and AI agents.
- Autonomous Systems Development: Oppenheimer also highlighted companies supporting autonomous physical systems, such as Mobileye Global and Aurora Innovation, noting that as fully autonomous solutions are commercialized, human roles will still be essential for remote monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and problem resolution.
See More
Industrial Tech Firms Navigate Challenges and Opportunities
- AI as Growth Driver: Rockwell Automation (ROK) executives indicated that despite an uncertain industrial economy, they expect organic growth of 2% to 6% in 2026, with AI applications driving demand for automation technology and enhancing factory autonomy, thereby providing long-term growth potential for the company.
- Cost Cuts Boost Margins: ROK has reduced its workforce by about 12% in 2024 and aims to improve margins through product rationalization and a focus on higher-value software, with expectations that margins will improve as volumes recover, demonstrating the company's commitment to structural cost control.
- Supply Chain Flexibility: Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) executives noted that despite concerns over rising memory costs and potential supply disruptions, the company has secured memory supply through Q2 and plans to maintain its 2026 outlook, showcasing its agile response to supply chain management challenges.
- Share Repurchase Plans: ZBRA intends to actively repurchase shares following a recent decline in stock price, with analysts suggesting that this move could support returns if business conditions stabilize, reflecting the company's confidence in future market prospects.
See More
