THE CB HOTLIST

These stocks are poised to rule the automation nation

iRobot Corp.

(NASDAQ: IRBT)

P/E: 28.8 | Yield: N/A 1-year total return (C$): 16% Maker of the Roomba vacuum cleaner and other domestic robots, this Massachusetts-based firm also has a growing defence and security division. It’s constantly innovating, devoting 12% of its revenue to R&D.

Oceaneering

International (NYSE: OII)

P/E: 10.9 | Yield: 3.1% 1-year total return (C$): 26% Based in Houston, it sells remote-operated vehicles and automated machinery to the offshore oil and gas industry. It has been hit by oil’s decline, but demand should grow as customers try to trim costs.

Intuitive Surgical Inc.

(NASDAQ: ISRG)

P/E: 37.5 | Yield: N/A 1-year total return (C$): 20% This Sunnyvale, Calif., company is at the forefront of robotics in health care. It makes the da Vinci Surgical System, a tool that allows doctors to make more precise movements than they can with just their hands.

Cyberdyne Inc.

(TYO: 7779)

P/E: N/A | Yield: N/A 1-year total return (C$): 46% The Japanese firm makes robots for various uses. Its flagship product, HAL, is a robotic suit that helps people walk and lift heavy objects.

AeroVironment Inc.

(NASDAQ: AVAV)

P/E: 75 | Yield: N/A 1-year total return (C$): 26% This Simi Valley, Calif., company is a leading supplier of military drones. It also develops electric vehicle charging stations, which have taken a hit recently due to cheaper gasoline prices.