Ask Matt: How do I invest in robots?

— -- Q: How do I invest in robots?

A: "Danger, Will Robinson," might be one of the more famous things spoken by a robot.

But since the 1960s TV show Lost in Space that popularized the phrase, robots have worked their way into modern society in less blatant ways. It's not uncommon for some surgeries to be performed by robots as well as housekeeping functions and even military operations.

Robots are integrated into our society. Not in a clunky metallic man kind of way, but in a way that machines programmed with human know-how are showing up in highly specialized ways to help accomplish goals.

Among some of the stocks that are positioned to allow investors to play robotics include:

The company also makes robots that clean pools and can wet-mop floors. iRobot's line of defense robots and droids help the military scout out potentially dangerous places before bringing soldiers in.

As you can see, the areas for investing in robots aren't all that plentiful yet. But as these companies demonstrate what's possible, and with governments and companies looking for ways to reduce cost, expect to see more robots in the field. And that may create more ways for investors to take part.

Matt Krantz is a financial markets reporter at USA TODAY and author of Investing Online for Dummies and Fundamental Analysis for Dummies. He answers a different reader question every weekday in his Ask Matt column at money.usatoday.com. To submit a question, e-mail Matt at mkrantz@usatoday.com. Follow Matt on Twitter at: twitter.com/mattkrantz