AlphaOS

What are the best robotics and automation ETFs?

AlphaOS investment intelligence · Research and education only — not investment advice · Updated Sep 27, 2026

About robotics

Direct answer

The leading robotics and automation ETFs are BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF), ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF), IRBO (iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF), ARKQ (ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF), and ROBT (First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF). BOTZ is the largest by AUM at approximately $2.4 billion and holds concentrated positions in companies like Intuitive Surgical, Fanuc, and Keyence. ROBO is the oldest in the space, launched in 2013, offering broader diversification across ~80 holdings globally. These ETFs vary significantly in construction — some weight toward industrial automation, others blend in AI and autonomous vehicle exposure.

This week

Companies with new signals this week

METAgrowth ranks with an opportunity score of 90, driven primarily by growth signals.90MXLgrowth ranks with an opportunity score of 89, driven primarily by growth signals.89

2 of 24 shown

See the full board →

Key Takeaways

  • BOTZ (Global X) is the largest robotics ETF by AUM (~$2.4B) with concentrated exposure to top industrial and surgical robotics companies
  • ROBO Global's ROBO ETF was the first robotics-dedicated ETF (launched October 2013) and holds ~80 equal-weighted global positions for broad diversification
  • IRBO (iShares) tracks a globally diversified index and includes both pure-play robotics firms and enabling technology companies across multiple sectors
  • ARKQ (ARK Invest) takes an active management approach focusing on autonomous technology, energy storage, and 3D printing alongside robotics — higher concentration and turnover than passive peers
  • ROBT (First Trust) uses a tiered weighting system distinguishing between pure-play robotics companies and companies with partial exposure, offering a middle ground in portfolio construction
  • Expense ratios across this category range from approximately 0.47% (IRBO) to 0.75% (ROBO), making cost an important differentiator for long-term investors
  • Top holdings across these ETFs frequently include Intuitive Surgical, Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric, Keyence, ABB Ltd, and Nvidia — reflecting both industrial and AI-driven automation trends
  • Geographic exposure differs materially: BOTZ and ROBO carry significant Japan and Europe weighting (40–50% international), while ARKQ is predominantly U.S.-focused

Evidence & Analysis

  • BOTZ launched in September 2016 and reached peak AUM above $3B during the 2021 tech rally before retracing, reflecting sector cyclicality
  • ROBO Global's index methodology covers 12 subsectors of robotics including industrial automation, healthcare, logistics, and sensing technology
  • Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) appears as a top-5 holding in both BOTZ and ROBO, illustrating the centrality of surgical robotics to the theme
  • The global industrial robotics market was valued at approximately $48 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10–12% through 2030, underpinning ETF thematic growth
  • Japan-based companies (Fanuc, Yaskawa, Keyence) represent a significant allocation in most robotics ETFs, reflecting Japan's dominance in industrial robot manufacturing — Japan accounts for roughly 45% of global robot production
  • ARKQ's active strategy has resulted in meaningful allocation to Tesla as an autonomous/robotics play, differentiating it from purely industrial-focused peers

Key Companies

BOTZ

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF

Largest robotics ETF by AUM (~$2.4B); concentrated, passive, expense ratio ~0.68%

ROBO

ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF

Pioneer ETF in the space (2013); ~80 equal-weighted global holdings; expense ratio ~0.95%

IRBO

iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF

BlackRock-managed; lowest expense ratio in category at ~0.47%; broad global diversification

ARKQ

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF

Actively managed by ARK Invest; higher conviction, higher volatility; expense ratio ~0.75%

ROBT

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF

Tiered weighting methodology separating pure-play from partial-exposure robotics companies

Related stock research

Connected companies and research pages from the AlphaOS knowledge graph.

Priority stock research

High-intent stock intelligence pages — connected from AlphaOS research hubs.

Related stock research

Structured stock intelligence for companies connected to this research.

Related Questions

Generated by AlphaOS from the Knowledge Graph, earnings intelligence, and industry analysis. Content is for research and education only — not investment advice.