Emerging Industrial Players Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile and Rivian Eye Market-Beating Growth Through 2031

The industrial sector has long been associated with traditional businesses such as steel, machinery and heavy equipment. Yet a new generation of companies focused on electric vehicles, advanced air mobility and space-based communications is reshaping the category and drawing attention from investors looking for multi-year growth opportunities. Three names often cited as potential outperformers over the next five years are Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile and Rivian Automotive. Recent milestones, expansion plans and industry forecasts suggest each could grow at a faster pace than the broader market between now and 2031.

Archer Aviation: Commercial Launch Moves Closer

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft intended for short-distance passenger transport, commonly described as “air taxis.” Throughout 2025 the company advanced several initiatives aimed at moving from prototype to commercial service.

During the past year Archer announced new manufacturing partnerships designed to scale production and signed preliminary agreements to launch air taxi operations in both the United States and Saudi Arabia. While the firm recorded no material revenue in 2025, consensus estimates compiled by Wall Street analysts project approximately $32 million in sales for 2026. Beyond that, estimates point to a rapid acceleration as service rolls out in additional cities.

Industry projections add context to those expectations. Research frequently cited by the company values the global eVTOL market at roughly $29 billion annually by 2030. If Archer captures a meaningful share, its revenue and profitability could expand sharply as the decade progresses.

Regulatory approval remains a key hurdle. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has been developing a certification framework for eVTOL aircraft, and the timing of that process will influence Archer’s launch schedule. Detailed information on the FAA’s approach to advanced air mobility can be found on the agency’s website here.

AST SpaceMobile: Rapid Revenue Ramp Under Way

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) aims to build a space-based cellular broadband network capable of connecting standard mobile phones to satellites in low Earth orbit. The company’s share price climbed 244 percent in 2025, reflecting investor enthusiasm over early commercialization progress.

Management expects sales to rise approximately twelve-fold in 2025 as initial service agreements convert to revenue. Analyst forecasts gathered by financial data providers call for an additional 342.6 percent jump in 2026, indicating the runway for growth extends well beyond the recent surge.

The business model centers on partnering with terrestrial mobile network operators to provide coverage in remote or underserved regions. AST SpaceMobile’s technology has already completed voice and data demonstrations, and further satellite launches are scheduled to expand capacity.

Capital requirements remain significant, and execution risk includes securing additional funding, maintaining launch schedules and achieving consistent service quality. Nevertheless, if deployment stays on track, AST SpaceMobile could transition from early-stage revenue to a recurring, subscription-based cash flow stream during the second half of the decade.

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Rivian Automotive: Lower-Priced Models Target Broader Market

Electric-vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN) intends to widen its customer base by introducing lower-priced models in 2027. The company currently sells premium electric pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles, but management has stated that attracting mainstream buyers is essential for long-term scale.

The upcoming vehicles are expected to sit below the firm’s R1 series in both size and price, expanding Rivian’s addressable market and potentially increasing production volumes. The launch will follow the ramp-up of the company’s second manufacturing facility, designed to add capacity beyond its existing Illinois plant.

Rivian’s strategy hinges on balancing unit economics with competitive pricing while maintaining brand positioning. If successful, the product expansion could accelerate revenue growth and move the business closer to sustained profitability, a milestone investors have been awaiting since the company’s public listing.

Broader Industrial Landscape

Although Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile and Rivian Automotive operate in disparate niches, each fits within the modern definition of the industrial sector, which increasingly overlaps with technology and transportation innovation. Their progress illustrates how sectors once considered cyclical and mature now encompass high-growth fields such as advanced mobility and space infrastructure.

Market performance over the next five years will depend on factors including regulatory timelines, manufacturing execution, capital access and competitive dynamics. Still, current forecasts and recent operational updates indicate that all three companies have the potential to deliver returns that exceed the broader equity market if they meet their respective milestones.

Crédito da imagem: Getty Images