
Research1 covering some of the world’s largest firms reveals 92% of board directors believe stringent legislation around AI and robotics is preventing their companies from capitalising on the technologies’ full potential. This is according to a new study commissioned by Robocap, a leading investor in robotics, automation, and AI.
More than four-fifths (84%) of directors surveyed at FTSE 250, S&P 500 and DAX 40 companies say restrictive regulations surrounding AI and robotics will adversely impact their company’s global competitiveness.
Consequently, nearly all (98%) directors participating in the survey say companies will choose to list in countries or markets where legislation is more supportive of AI and robotics, or move existing operations to jurisdictions with positive regulatory regimes.
The Robocap UCITS Fund, which is a thematic equity fund focusing on pure-play robotics, automation and AI listed stocks globally, was launched in January 2016 and is managed by a London-based specialist team. It has delivered compound annualised net returns (CAGR) of 14% and a net return of 250% since its inception.2
Two-thirds of survey respondents say their strategy for AI and robotics is very important to their current share price, while 34% say it is quite important.
Looking to the next three years, 60% of board directors surveyed say their AI and robotics strategy will be very important, and 40% say quite important.
Jonathan Cohen, Founder and CIO at Robocap, said: “A robust AI and robotics strategy is seen as material to the success, growth and profitability of today’s leading companies. Policymakers must support these businesses by creating long-term plans that help them achieve their full potential. At a time when countries are competing to attract the biggest and most successful businesses, it makes sense to have progressive legal frameworks in place.”
Robocap is a thematic equity fund focusing on pure-play AI, robotics and automation listed stocks globally. This fast-growing theme includes AI cybersecurity, AI software, general automation, industrial robotics, healthcare robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, key components, semiconductor automation, space robotics, logistics automation, and the multiple applications of Artificial Intelligence across its value chain.
Robocap’s pure play style means it only invests in companies with at least 40% purity of revenues related to robotics, automation and AI, with 85% of the current portfolio’s revenues linked directly to the theme. The fund manager has a team of seasoned investors and an advisory board of leading technology experts and entrepreneurs to make investment decisions.