TOP 5 AI AND ROBOTICS ETFs TO INVEST IN FOR 2027

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the global economy. From advanced semiconductor chips and cloud computing to autonomous vehicles, industrial robots and generative AI applications, the technology is creating investment opportunities across multiple industries.

As companies continue to invest billions of dollars in AI infrastructure and automation, investors are increasingly looking for ways to participate in this long-term technological transformation.

However, identifying individual companies that will emerge as long-term winners is not easy. While companies such as NVIDIA, Microsoft and Broadcom have established themselves as major players, the next generation of AI leaders could come from less obvious areas of the technology ecosystem.

This is where Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETFs can offer an attractive alternative.

Instead of investing in a single company, these ETFs provide exposure to a basket of businesses involved in developing, supplying or adopting AI and robotics technologies.

We examined several US-listed ETFs, considering their fund size, track record, management background, historical returns, expenses and portfolio diversification.

Here are our five leading choices for investors looking to gain exposure to the AI and robotics revolution.

1. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ: AIQ)

Our leading choice for broad AI exposure

The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) is one of the largest dedicated AI investment funds in the United States. Launched in May 2018, AIQ invests in companies positioned to benefit from the development and adoption of artificial intelligence, including businesses producing the hardware and software required to support AI technologies.

The fund provides exposure to several important segments of the AI industry, including semiconductors, cloud computing, data analytics and technology platforms.

With approximately $9.73 billion in assets as of October 30, 2026, AIQ has established itself as a major player in the AI ETF market.

Its portfolio includes well-known technology companies such as Palantir, Microsoft, Meta and other businesses involved in the AI ecosystem.

Key Fund Information

• Ticker: AIQ

• Fund provider: Global X

• Inception: May 11, 2018

• Assets under management: Approximately $9.73 billion

• Expense ratio: 0.68%

• Number of holdings: Approximately 88

  
  

Historical Performance

AIQ has delivered strong long-term performance, supported by the expansion of major technology companies and increasing investment in AI infrastructure.

As of September 30, 2026, its annualized NAV returns were:

• 1-year: 32.28%

• 3-year: 34.47%

• 5-year: 16.95%

• Since inception: 19.54%

These are annualized total returns, including reinvested distributions.

Why We Like AIQ

Its substantial AUM, established operating history and broad exposure to the AI industry make it an attractive core holding for investors interested in the long-term growth of artificial intelligence.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on robotics or semiconductor manufacturers, AIQ provides exposure to companies operating across several layers of the AI ecosystem.

Its main consideration is that the fund still carries significant technology-sector concentration and can experience substantial volatility during technology market corrections.

2. iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (NYSE: ARTY)

A strong combination of AI exposure and competitive fees

The iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY), managed by BlackRock's iShares division, is another strong candidate for investors seeking exposure to the AI industry. BlackRock is one of the world's largest asset management companies, with an established global ETF business and extensive investment management infrastructure.

ARTY provides exposure to companies involved in the development and adoption of artificial intelligence, including semiconductor manufacturers, cloud infrastructure providers and businesses developing AI applications. The fund is particularly interesting because of its relatively competitive expense ratio compared with several other specialized AI ETFs.

With approximately $3.65 billion in assets as of October 30, 2026, ARTY has also attracted considerable investor interest. Its portfolio includes companies such as Advanced Micro Devices, Marvell Technology and Broadcom.

Key Fund Information

• Ticker: ARTY

• Fund provider: iShares (BlackRock)

• Assets under management: Approximately $3.65 billion

• Expense ratio: 0.47%

• Number of holdings: Approximately 50

• Investment focus: AI infrastructure, semiconductors and technology

  
  

Why We Like ARTY

One of ARTY's biggest advantages is its combination of a well-established asset management company, significant fund size and relatively low annual expenses.

Its exposure to semiconductor and AI infrastructure companies also makes it an interesting option for investors who believe the demand for computing power will continue to expand.

However, investors should understand that ARTY is relatively sensitive to semiconductor industry performance. A downturn in chip stocks could significantly affect its returns.

3. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ: BOTZ)

Our preferred choice for robotics and automation exposure

While AIQ and ARTY offer broader exposure to the AI technology industry, BOTZ takes a different approach. The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF focuses on companies involved in industrial robotics, automation, autonomous vehicles and non-industrial robotics, alongside businesses benefiting from artificial intelligence.

Launched in September 2016, BOTZ has one of the longer operating histories among dedicated robotics and AI ETFs.

The fund had approximately $3.04 billion in assets as of October 30, 2026.

Its portfolio includes businesses such as Intuitive Surgical, Keyence and other global leaders in robotics and industrial automation.

These companies are involved in technologies that could become increasingly important as manufacturers, healthcare providers and other industries automate their operations.

Key Fund Information

• Ticker: BOTZ

• Fund provider: Global X

• Inception: September 12, 2016

• Assets under management: Approximately $3.04 billion

• Expense ratio: 0.68%

• Number of holdings: Approximately 81

  
  

Historical Performance

BOTZ has a longer operating history than many newer AI-focused ETFs. However, its historical performance also demonstrates the risks associated with investing in specialized technology themes.

As of September 30, 2026, its annualized NAV returns were:

• 1-year: 0.06%

• 3-year: 12.93%

• 5-year: -0.47%

• 10-year: 9.27%

• Since inception: 9.46%

These figures are a useful reminder that the long-term potential of an industry does not automatically translate into strong investment returns over every period.

Why We Like BOTZ

BOTZ offers something that broad AI technology ETFs may not provide in sufficient depth: direct exposure to the companies building and deploying robotics and automation systems.

We believe this makes it an interesting complementary holding for investors who want exposure to both the software-driven AI revolution and the physical automation of industries.

Its historical returns, however, suggest investors should approach it with realistic expectations.

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

A diversified approach to the robotics industry

The ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF is another established option for investors interested in the long-term development of robotics and automation.

Launched in 2013, ROBO has one of the longest histories among specialized robotics ETFs.

Unlike funds that allocate a substantial portion of their portfolios to a handful of major technology companies, ROBO uses a more diversified approach. The fund invests across companies involved in industrial automation, healthcare robotics, computing, sensing technologies and other areas of the robotics ecosystem.

Its portfolio has approximately 79 holdings, with individual positions generally carrying relatively small weights. As of October 30, 2026, the fund had approximately $1.95 billion in assets.

Key Fund Information

• Ticker: ROBO

• Fund provider: ROBO Global

• Inception: 2013

• Assets under management: Approximately $1.95 billion

• Expense ratio: 0.95%

• Number of holdings: Approximately 79

  
  

Why We Like ROBO

The biggest advantage of ROBO is diversification. Its relatively equal-weighted approach reduces dependence on a small number of mega-cap technology companies. This creates exposure to businesses that may benefit from robotics adoption without requiring investors to identify which individual company will dominate the industry.

However, the diversification comes at a cost. Its 0.95% expense ratio is the highest among our five selections.

ROBO has also historically underperformed the broader S&P 500, making it important to evaluate its performance against the wider equity market rather than simply assuming that robotics industry growth will guarantee superior returns.

For investors seeking a more diversified robotics-focused investment, ROBO remains worth considering.

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

Broad exposure across AI and robotics applications

Our fifth selection is the First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT).

Managed by First Trust, an established US investment management company, ROBT tracks an index designed to identify companies involved in artificial intelligence and robotics.

Its investment universe covers technology, industrials and other sectors, allowing investors to access companies involved in developing and adopting these technologies.

The fund held approximately 111 stocks in October 2026, making it one of the more diversified choices in this selection.

With approximately $723 million in assets as of October 30, 2026, ROBT is smaller than AIQ, ARTY and BOTZ, but it has developed a meaningful presence in the specialized AI ETF market.

Key Fund Information

• Ticker: ROBT

• Fund provider: First Trust

• Assets under management: Approximately $723 million

• Expense ratio: 0.65%

• Number of holdings: Approximately 111

• Investment focus: Artificial intelligence, robotics and automation

  
  

Why We Like ROBT

ROBT provides exposure to a broader selection of businesses involved in AI and robotics.

Its relatively large number of holdings helps reduce dependence on individual companies, while its investment mandate includes both technology developers and companies adopting these technologies.

The main consideration is its smaller AUM compared with the leading funds in this selection.

Nevertheless, its diversified portfolio and reasonable expense ratio make it a worthwhile candidate for investors looking beyond the largest AI ETFs.

Comparing Our Top Five AI and Robotics ETFs

Here is a quick comparison of the five funds based on their size, operating history and annual expenses.

ETF	AUM (Approx.)	Inception	Expense Ratio
AIQ	$9.73B	2018	0.68%
ARTY	$3.65B	2018	0.47%
BOTZ	$3.04B	2016	0.68%
ROBO	$1.95B	2013	0.95%
ROBT	$723M	2018	0.65%

Assets under management are approximate figures from October 30, 2026. Fund holdings and AUM change over time. Inception dates refer to the respective funds.

Which AI ETF Should Investors Choose?

Each of these ETFs offers a different approach to investing in the artificial intelligence and robotics industries.

Best overall AI exposure: AIQ

AIQ stands out because of its substantial AUM, established operating history and exposure to multiple segments of the AI industry. It is our preferred choice for investors looking for a broad AI-focused ETF.

Best combination of fees and AI exposure: ARTY

ARTY offers a competitive expense ratio and exposure to important AI infrastructure companies. Its backing by BlackRock's iShares platform is another positive consideration.

Best for robotics and automation: BOTZ

BOTZ is our preferred choice for investors who specifically want exposure to industrial robotics, medical robotics and automation.

Best for robotics diversification: ROBO

ROBO's diversified portfolio and longer operating history make it an interesting option for investors seeking exposure beyond the largest technology companies.

Best for broader AI and robotics diversification: ROBT

ROBT provides exposure to a wide selection of businesses involved in AI and robotics, with a relatively reasonable expense ratio.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Invest in AI ETFs?

Artificial intelligence is still an evolving industry, and its long-term economic impact could extend well beyond traditional technology companies. The expansion of data centres, demand for advanced semiconductor chips, AI-powered software, autonomous systems and industrial automation could create opportunities across multiple sectors.

However, investors should remember that the rapid growth of an industry does not necessarily mean every company or ETF associated with that industry will deliver attractive investment returns. Valuations, competition, capital expenditure, interest rates and the pace of commercial adoption will all influence future performance. It is also important to recognize that specialized AI and robotics ETFs can be more volatile than broad-market index funds.

For investors with a long-term investment horizon, these five ETFs offer different ways to participate in the development of artificial intelligence and automation without relying entirely on individual stock selection. Rather than investing in all five, investors may wish to choose one broad AI ETF and, if appropriate, complement it with a more specialized robotics ETF.

As always, diversification, valuation and risk management should remain central to any investment decision.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. ETF investments carry market risk, and investors may lose some or all of their invested capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always review the latest fund factsheets, holdings, fees and investment objectives before making an investment decision.