What are the best robotics and automation ETFs?
AlphaOS investment intelligence · Research and education only — not investment advice · Updated Jul 5, 2026
The best robotics and automation ETFs include ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO), Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ), each offering distinct investment strategies and sector exposures within the robotics and automation landscape.
Key Takeaways
- ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is a diversified ETF tracking a proprietary index of companies involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
- Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) focuses on companies that stand to benefit from increased adoption and utilization of robotics and artificial intelligence, including those involved in industrial robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles.
- ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) is an actively managed ETF investing in companies leading disruptive innovation in autonomous technology, robotics, 3D printing, energy storage, and space exploration.
- iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) provides broad exposure to companies across various sectors that are involved in robotics and AI.
- First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) tracks an index of companies engaged in the artificial intelligence and robotics industries.
- These ETFs offer varying levels of concentration in specific sub-sectors, from industrial automation to AI-driven software and autonomous systems.
- Performance differences among these ETFs often stem from their underlying index methodologies, active management strategies, and geographic allocations.
- Investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment objectives when choosing among these robotics and automation ETFs.
Evidence & Analysis
- ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) holds over 80 companies globally, providing broad exposure to the robotics and automation value chain.
- Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) has significant holdings in key robotics manufacturers and AI developers, often with a higher concentration in a smaller number of companies compared to ROBO.
- ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) has historically shown higher volatility due to its focus on disruptive innovation and often smaller, high-growth companies.
- The global robotics market size was valued at USD 43.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% from 2023 to 2030.
- Industrial robots shipments reached a new high of 553,000 units globally in 2022, demonstrating strong adoption in manufacturing sectors.
Key Companies
ROBO
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF
One of the largest and most diversified robotics and automation ETFs.
BOTZ
Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF
Focuses on companies benefiting from robotics and AI adoption.
ARKQ
ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF
Actively managed ETF targeting disruptive innovation in autonomous tech and robotics.
IRBO
iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF
Provides broad, multisector exposure to robotics and AI.
ROBT
First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF
Tracks an index of AI and robotics companies.
Related Questions
- What are the key differences between actively managed and passively managed robotics ETFs?
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- What are the long-term growth drivers for the robotics and AI sectors?
- Which countries are leading in robotics and automation innovation?
- What are the ethical considerations in the development and deployment of advanced robotics?
Generated by AlphaOS from the Knowledge Graph, earnings intelligence, and industry analysis. Content is for research and education only — not investment advice.