Top AI and Robotic ETFs to Watch in 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics continues to redefine industries from manufacturing to healthcare. What began as a speculative tech boom has matured into tangible productivity gains, with global robotics market projections soaring from $94 billion in 2024 to potentially $373 billion by 2034. AI's role in enabling smarter automation—think humanoid robots in warehouses or surgical systems in operating rooms—positions these technologies as the backbone of the next industrial revolution. For investors eyeing 2026, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a diversified gateway to this high-growth sector without the pitfalls of stock-picking volatility.

Yet, the landscape isn't without challenges. Recent market jitters around AI hype have led to underperformance in some funds, but experts like Fidelity's Adam Benjamin highlight AI's "far-reaching" disruption potential, with capex from tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft projected to exceed $500 billion annually by mid-decade. Robotics ETFs, in particular, stand to benefit from a "lag effect": new semiconductor fabs and battery plants breaking ground now will demand robotic equipping as early as 2026. In this analysis, we spotlight five top AI and robotics ETFs poised for outperformance, based on assets under management (AUM), historical returns, and alignment with emerging trends like generative AI and industrial automation.

Why AI and Robotics ETFs Matter for 2026

The appeal of these ETFs lies in their ability to capture broad exposure to the AI-robotics ecosystem. Unlike individual stocks, they mitigate risks from over-reliance on mega-caps like Nvidia, which dominates many portfolios. Key drivers for 2026 include:

• Policy Tailwinds: U.S. reshoring initiatives and incentives for AI infrastructure could accelerate robotics adoption in supply chains.
• Productivity Boom: Analysts forecast AI-driven efficiency gains to fuel corporate earnings, with robotics solving labor shortages amid aging demographics.
• Diversification Edge: Funds blending AI software with physical robotics offer resilience against sector-specific downturns, such as the 2025 AI stock pullback.

That said, these thematic ETFs carry higher expense ratios (typically 0.45%-0.95%) and volatility (betas often exceeding 1.2) compared to broad-market funds. Investors should allocate no more than 10-15% of a portfolio to them, balancing with core holdings like the S&P 500.Top 5 AI and Robotics ETFs to WatchBased on 2025 performance data (year-to-date through December), AUM growth, and forward-looking catalysts, here are the standout picks. We've prioritized funds with strong robotics exposure, given projections for physical AI applications to lead gains in 2026.
1. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

• AUM: $3.15 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.68%
• 2025 YTD Return: ~19%
• 5-Year Annualized Return: 7.3%
• Top 3 Holdings: Nvidia (NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), ABB (ABBNY)
• Why watch in 2026? Strong international exposure (especially Japan) and balanced blend of AI chips and real-world robotics leaders. Ideal for investors wanting heavy robotics + automation tilt.

BOTZ remains a frontrunner for 2026, tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & AI Thematic Index with 53 holdings focused on industrial automation, non-industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles. Its international tilt—over 25% in Japan—provides geographic diversification, shielding against U.S.-centric AI slowdowns. Top holdings like Nvidia (for AI chips) and Intuitive Surgical (robotic surgery) underscore its blend of enablers and applicators.
In 2025, BOTZ delivered solid if unspectacular gains amid broader tech volatility, but analysts predict a surge as AI shifts from digital to physical realms. With robotics demand tied to reshoring and labor gaps, BOTZ could see 20-30% upside if global adoption accelerates. It's ideal for growth-oriented investors tolerant of its 1.25 beta.

2. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)

• AUM: $5.98 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.68%
• 2025 YTD Return: 31%
• 5-Year Annualized Return: ~18.6%
• Top 3 Holdings: Tencent (TCEHY), Alibaba (BABA), Netflix (NFLX)
• Why watch in 2026? Broadest pure-AI play on the list, significant Asia exposure, less Nvidia-dependent. Perfect for investors bullish on cloud AI, big data, and global software leaders.

For broader AI exposure, AIQ stands out with $6 billion in AUM and a portfolio of 88 stocks via the Indxx AI & Big Data Index. It emphasizes cloud computing and big data processors, with heavy weighting in Asian tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba—less Nvidia-dependent than pure robotics funds.
AIQ's 31% YTD return in 2025 crushed the S&P 500, driven by infrastructure spending. Looking to 2026, its high ROE (18.6%) and P/E (25.8) signal sustained earnings growth as AI capex hits $300 billion from hyperscalers. At 0.68% fees, it's cost-effective for long-term holds, though its 1.21 beta warrants caution in rate-hike scenarios.

3. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY)

• AUM: $1.66 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.47% (lowest on this list)
• 2025 YTD Return: 25%
• 5-Year Annualized Return: ~15.2%
• Top 3 Holdings: Nvidia (NVDA), Broadcom (AVGO), AMD (AMD)
• Why watch in 2026? BlackRock’s cost-efficient, highly diversified option with emerging-market semiconductor exposure. Great core holding for long-term AI believers.

BlackRock's ARTY offers the lowest fees on this list, tracking an index of global firms poised for AI and robotics gains across developed and emerging markets. With $1.66 billion AUM and 113 holdings, it's the most diversified, leaning on semiconductors (e.g., Nvidia, AMD) and cloud leaders.
Its 25% 2025 performance reflects resilience, bolstered by a modest 0.15% yield. For 2026, ARTY's emerging-market exposure (e.g., Taiwan Semiconductor) positions it for supply-chain robotics booms. As a passive fund, it's a low-maintenance pick for conservative AI bulls.

4. ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO)

• AUM: $1.15 billion
• Expense Ratio: 0.95% (highest, but actively curated)
• 2025 YTD Return: 22%
• 5-Year Annualized Return: 8.1%
• Top 3 Holdings: Fanuc (FANUY), Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), Teradyne (TER)
• Why watch in 2026? Pure-play industrial and service robotics focus, equal-weight approach reduces mega-cap risk. Strong pick for factory automation and reshoring themes.

ROBO targets "transformative innovations" with 78 equal-weighted holdings in automation and AI enablers, including lesser-known plays like AutoStore (warehouse robots) and IBM (AI platforms). Its higher 0.95% expense reflects active curation, but the global focus yields balanced sector exposure.
Up 22% YTD in 2025, ROBO underperformed flashier peers but offers stability. Projections for 2026 highlight its edge in industrial robotics, with potential 15-25% returns as factories automate. It's best for patient investors betting on steady, non-hype growth.

5. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT)

• AUM: $610 million
• Expense Ratio: 0.65%
• 2025 YTD Return: 28%
• 5-Year Annualized Return: 12.4%
• Top 3 Holdings: Ocado Group (OCDDY), NICE (NICE), IPG Photonics (IPGP)
• Why watch in 2026? Equal-weighted, multi-sector exposure (tech, industrials, healthcare). Offers unique plays in warehouse automation, voice AI, and laser robotics.

ROBT's equal-weighted approach across 101 stocks democratizes access to AI innovators in tech, industrials, and healthcare. Standouts include Ocado (robotic grocery fulfillment) and IPG Photonics (laser automation), with minimal mega-cap bias.
Its 28% 2025 return showcases momentum, and at 0.65% fees, it's competitively priced. For 2026, ROBT's multisector tilt could capitalize on AI's spillover into non-tech areas like logistics, targeting 20%+ gains amid productivity surges.

Risks and Strategic ConsiderationsWhile promising, these ETFs face headwinds: High valuations (average P/B of 4.5) invite corrections if AI monetization lags, and geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply chains. Regulatory scrutiny on AI ethics and energy demands for data centers add layers of uncertainty. Diversify across 2-3 funds to hedge, and monitor quarterly earnings for holdings like Nvidia.Quick Recommendation Summary for 2026

• Want maximum robotics & automation exposure → BOTZ or ROBO
• Want broad global AI with less U.S. mega-cap risk → AIQ
• Want the cheapest, most diversified option → ARTY
• Want smaller innovative names and equal weighting → ROBT

These five ETFs give investors multiple ways to capture the next leg of the AI-robotics megatrend — whether through chips, software, cloud, or the machines themselves — as the world moves from digital AI to embodied, physical intelligence in 2026 and beyond.Conclusion: Positioning for the Robotics Renaissance2026 could mark the year AI truly "lands" through robotics, turning speculative bets into operational realities. BOTZ and AIQ lead as must-watches for their scale and focus, but blending with ARTY's efficiency or ROBO's depth creates a robust portfolio. As Fidelity notes, AI's cycle is just beginning—ETFs like these offer a smart, scalable way to ride it. Consult a financial advisor to align with your risk profile, and remember: In this fast-evolving space, patience pays.

Editor's Note: Our approach never chases short-term hype. Instead, our analysts, supported by AI, carefully select recommendations designed to build portfolios that compound over the long term. Investors must be prepared to position themselves and hold through market volatility to realize sustained growth and achieve their financial goals.

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