"There is no force on earth more powerful than an idea whose time has come."      – Victor Hugo

Bots in the News:

Despite the closure of the U.S. Federal Government, the Bot Index surged 3.63% and the S & P 500 increased 1.09% last week. The bots were stimulated by four components that experienced double-digit gains for the week. The robo-aero-taxi company gained 13.35%, the pharma company Azenta Corp. rose 13.62%, the Japanese automation firm rose 14.52% and AeroVironment Corp. jumped another 24.38%.

Joby’s increase was attributed to the September 29th, announcement of a long-term collaboration to launch a passenger air taxi service network in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah/RAK by 2027 by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority/RAKTA, Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure

The partnership brings together RAKTA’s governmental support, Skyports’ expertise in developing vertiport infrastructure, and Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing/eVTOL aircraft to design, develop, and operate RAK’s first air taxi service. The new service aligns with RAK’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan to meet the growing demand for fast and convenient transport.

The service is expected to begin with an inter-emirate corridor, connecting Joby’s planned service in Dubai with RAK, which is a major step in advancing the UAE’s air mobility vision. The corridor will connect to landmark hospitality developments in RAK, including Al Marjan Island, where the new Wynn Al Marjan is set to open in 2027, and Jebel Jais.

Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a vertically integrated air mobility company that builds electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft optimized for air transportation as a service in the US and Dubai.

AeroVironment’s strength was a function of a new $500 million Air Force contract that will last for the coming 10 years. The contract boosts the drone-defense firm’s backlog by 10% to $4.2 billion. AeroVironment has been on a tear with the changing tone of defense spending world wide. The stock was as low as $102 in April and closed this month at $374.64. Over the past six months the stock has provided a 218% for its investors.

Member: American Economic Association, Society of Professional Journalists, United States Press Association. Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, Robotic Industries Association (now A3 Automation), Member IEEE.

The Bot Brief is a weekly newsletter designed for economists, investment specialists, journalists, and academicians. It receives no remuneration from any company that may from time to time be featured in the brief and its commentaries, analysis, opinions, and research represent the subjective view of Balcones Investment Research, LLC. Due to the complex and rapidly changing nature of the subject matter, the company makes no assurances as to the absolute accuracy of materials presented.