If you can tune out the barrage of negative news regarding the state of the world economy, there are many reasons to be optimistic given the incredible amount of game changing innovation going on right now. As a small example, there are at least 4 significant industry trends that are sure to change our lives for the better in the near future.

These 4 industry changes are tied to companies that are attempting to target non-consumption by developing technologies, products or services that solve problems currently lacking a solution. In a global marketplace where consistent top-line growth is becoming more difficult to identify, these investable trends and the star companies that go along with them should be on your radar.

1) Manufacturing Gets More Automated

Artificial intelligence stories dominate headlines, yet people underestimate the massive impact of more simple robotics and 3-D printing. Robots like UR10 from Universal Robots and Baxter from Rethink Robots are driving down manufacturing costs in the United States and Europe, making manufacturing in China less economical. In fact, the cost of operating such robots is less than the cost of human labor and also less of a headache (think employment contracts, and health and safety requirements). These robots can work 24/7 and are becoming so sophisticated that they can perform most human jobs. Yet the disruption doesn't stop here.

The hype surrounding the 3-D printing industry has cooled off as of late, yet in the future expect even robots to be replaced by powerful 3-D printers that may even allow us to design and print our own devices. Imagine being able to 3-D print electronics like your own TV or watch.

Companies to consider:

iRobot: (NASDAQ:IRBT)

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