Investment & Business

Investment Guide 2026: The best ETFs and stocks for robotics

Nico Nuss 0
ETFs und Aktien für Robotik [Image content created with AI]

Robotics is one of the most exciting but also most hyped investment topics of 2026.Humanoid robots, industrial automation, operations systems, autonomous warehouses and AI-powered machines promise a huge boost in productivity. However, the companies that present the most spectacular robots do not automatically benefit from this on the stock market. Chip developers, sensor manufacturers, software providers and established automation companies often earn earlier and more reliably than young robot start-ups. This guide shows which robotics ETFs and robotics stocks investors can check out, how the products differ and where the risk is often underestimated.

Risk warning:Stocks and ETFs can lose significant value. A total loss is also possible for individual stocks. The article does not constitute personal investment advice. Past performance does not allow a reliable statement to be made about future results.

The most important thing in brief

  • Broadly diversified robotics ETFs are usually easier for beginnersthan selecting individual stocks.
  • Robotics ETFs are not world ETFs.They often focus heavily on technology, industry, semiconductors and individual countries.
  • NVIDIA, Tesla or Siemens are not pure robotics stocks.Robotics is only part of the business model for these companies.
  • Direct pure plays are rare.Many well-known robot developers such as Figure AI, Agility Robotics orNEURA Roboticsare not regularly listed on the stock exchange.
  • The biggest beneficiaries do not have to be the manufacturers of humanoid robots.Semiconductors, sensors, drives, image processing and factory software can generate sales earlier.
  • Theme ETFs belong more in the satellite area of ​​a portfolio.They do not replace a global basic investment.
  • Cost alone is not enough to make the choice.Index methodology, fund size, replication, overlap and weighting are at least as relevant.

What is the best way to invest in robotics?

A robust robotics strategy combines a broadly diversified core portfolio with a limited mix of themes. A robotics ETF can be used for this. Experienced investors can also analyze individual profitable companies from automation, semiconductors, sensors, medical technology or logistics robotics. What is important is not spectacular product announcements, but rather reliable sales, margins, cash flows and competitive advantages.

How to invest in robotics?

Investors basically have three options: a robotics ETF, individual robotics stocks or indirect investments in suppliers. Each approach represents a different part of the market.

Robotics ETFs

A robotics ETF combines numerous companies into an exchange-traded fund. This reduces the company-specific risk. If an individual manufacturer falls behind technologically, this does not necessarily affect the entire investment. However, this diversification has limits: many thematic ETFs invest in similar US technology companies, Japanese automation providers and semiconductor manufacturers.

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority points out that ETFs also carry market price risks. A stock market price can fall even though the product contains many companies. Particularly concentrated thematic indices often react sensitively to changes in valuation, rising interest rates or weaker industrial activity.

Individual robotics stocks

With individual stocks, investors can specifically focus on a business model. This offers more return potential, but increases the risk. A robot manufacturer can be technically convincing and still fail economically. High development costs, slow customer adoption, a lack of production capacity or a capital increase are enough to put shareholders under pressure.

Suppliers and “shovel sellers”

While different manufacturers compete to create the best humanoid robot, almost all require similar key components: computing chips, cameras, force sensors, gears, motors, controllers, simulation software and industrial networks. Companies with a strong position in these areas may benefit regardless of which robot brand wins the competition.

You can find more technical background information on robots, sensors and automation in our sectionsrobotics,Sensors and LiDARas well as Robot manufacturer.

Robotics ETFs 2026 in comparison

The term “robotics ETF” sounds clearer than it is. Some funds invest broadly in automation and industry. Others combine robotics with artificial intelligence. Newer products focus more on humanoid systems andPhysical AI. This means that the composition and risk profile differ significantly.

ETF ISIN Focus Ongoing costs Classification
iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF IE00BYZK4552 Global automation and robotics Check product page Broad industry access
Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF Acc LU1861132840 Robotics and artificial intelligence Check product page Stronger AI connection
L&G ROBO Global Robotics and Automation UCITS ETF IE00BMW3QX54 Robotics, automation and suppliers Check product page Distinctive topic focus
KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence UCITS ETF IE000O6Z73N7 Humanoid robotics andEmbodied AI Check product page Young and focused subject

The table is not a ranking. Ongoing costs, fund volume, trading venues, index composition and savings plan eligibility can change. Before making a purchase, investors should therefore read the current key information document, the sales prospectus and the complete list of positions.

iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF

The iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF is one of the best-known European products for the topic. It represents companies from industrialized and emerging countries that combine a significant part of their business with automation and robotics.

Its strength lies in its relatively broad focus. Investors don’t just invest in classic manufacturersIndustrial robots. Semiconductors, measurement technology, factory automation, sensors and software can also appear in the portfolio. This reduces the dependence on the success of humanoid robots, but dilutes the pure humanoid thesis.

If you already hold an MSCI World, Nasdaq or semiconductor ETF, you should compare the largest positions with each other. The same technology company can otherwise have a high weighting across several products at the same time.

Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF

The Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF combines robotics with artificial intelligence. This fits with technical developments: modern robots require more than just mechanics. They have to recognize their environment, make decisions, plan movements and learn from data.

The fund is interesting for investors who view robotics as part of a larger AI ecosystem. But this is exactly what creates a possible cluster risk. Those who are already heavily invested in AI, cloud, technology or semiconductor funds sometimes buy familiar positions again.

L&G ROBO Global Robotics and Automation UCITS ETF

The L&G ROBO Global Robotics and Automation UCITS ETF covers various areas of automation. These may include industrial systems, sensing, mechanical engineering, healthcare robotics, logistics and autonomous technologies.

Its thematic focus is more pronounced than a classic world ETF. This can be an advantage when there is a strong investment cycle in the industry. However, in a recession or when investment budgets are falling, the same orientation can be more burdensome.

KOID and specialized humanoid ETFs

Specialized funds for humanoid robotics and embodied AI are aimed at investors who particularly want to focus on physical AI. The underlying idea is understandable: a robot combines software, computing power, sensors and mechanical systems into a machine that can act in the real world.

A clear classification is necessary. An ETF can’t simply buy unlisted startups like Figure AI or Agility Robotics as a regular stock position. A fund receives at most indirect exposure, for example via listed investors, partners or suppliers. Working with a start-up does not automatically make a company a direct representative of its corporate value.

Young thematic ETFs may have smaller fund volumes, larger bid-ask spreads, and short price histories. Before purchasing, you should therefore check trading liquidity, fund domicile, UCITS status, index rules and closure risk.

Which robotics ETF is suitable for which investor?

Investor type Possible approach What should you pay particular attention to?
Beginners Broad automation and robotics ETF Fund size, costs, diversification and savings plan eligibility
AI-focused investor Robotics and AI ETF Overlaps with tech and semiconductor funds
Theme investor Humanoid or Embodied AI ETF Short history, narrow index and higher fluctuations
Advanced stock picker ETF as a basis plus selected stocks Valuation, margins, cash flow and position size

Seven checkpoints before buying an ETF

  1. Index methodology:According to which rules are companies included and weighted?
  2. Top positions:How dependent is the product on the ten largest companies?
  3. Sector distribution:Is it actually robotics or predominantly a technology ETF?
  4. Country weighting:How high are the shares of the USA, Japan, Europe and China?
  5. Fund size and liquidity:Small funds can be closed or merged more easily.
  6. Total cost:In addition to the TER, spread, trading costs and tracking difference also count.
  7. Overlaps:Which stocks are already in other ETFs in the portfolio?

The Deutsche Bundesbank describes ETFs as cost-effective instruments for diversified portfolios, but at the same time warns against concentrated reference indices and the particular risks of certain types of ETFs. A topic name on the product cover therefore does not replace a look at the index.

The most interesting robotics stocks in 2026

There is no objectively “best” robotics stock. Investors invest in different business models: factory automation, semiconductors, sensors, medical technology, logistics or humanoid platforms. Some of these companies don’t even compete with each other.

Pursue ISIN Robotics related type Central risk
NVIDIA US67066G1040 AI computing power, simulation and edge systems AI infrastructure High rating and semiconductor cycle
FIG CH0012221716 Industrial robotics and automation Broad industrial group Cyclical investments
Fanuc JP3802400006 Industrial robots, CNC and factory automation Robotics-related industrial value Dependence on global manufacturing
Keyence JP3236200006 Sensors, measuring systems and image processing Suppliers High rating
Intuitive Surgical US46120E6023 Robot-assisted surgical systems Medical technology Regulation and hospital budgets
Teradyne US8807701029 Test systems and participationUniversal Robots Semiconductors and cobots Cyclical test business
Cognex US1924221039 Machine vision and industrial identification Suppliers Fluctuating industrial demand
Kion Group DE000KGX8881 Warehouse automation and intralogistics Logistics automation Project business and debt
Siemens DE0007236101 Factory software, control and industrial digitalization Conglomerate Robotics has a limited share of results
Tesla US88160R1014 Development of the humanoid robot Optimus Automotive and technology companies Unclear commercialization and high expectations

NVIDIA: Infrastructure instead of pure robot manufacturers

NVIDIA delivers computing power and software platforms for AI, simulation and autonomous machines. Training environments, digital twins and edge computers are particularly relevant for robotics developers. Robots can initially simulate movement sequences before they are used in a factory or warehouse.

However, the business model cannot be equated with a pure robotics investment. A large part of the company’s value depends on data centers, AI accelerators and the general demand for high-performance chips. Investors therefore primarily buy a semiconductor and AI infrastructure stock with robotics potential.

ABB and Fanuc: established industrial robotics

ABB and Fanuc are already making money with industrial automation solutions. Your robots weld, assemble, paint, move components or support automated production lines.

The advantage lies in real customer relationships, service business and decades of manufacturing experience. The disadvantage: Classic industrial robotics depends heavily on investment cycles. When automotive, electronics or mechanical engineering companies postpone projects, this can quickly be reflected in order intake and sales.

Keyence and Cognex: The eyes of automated systems

Robots have to recognize components, measure distances, detect errors and determine their position. For this they need cameras, sensors and image processing. Keyence and Cognex occupy important parts of this market.

Such suppliers are not dependent on a single robot model. Their technology is used in production facilities, quality controls and logistics systems. Investors should still pay attention to the valuation. An excellent company is not automatically an attractive stock if the stock market price already contains very optimistic assumptions.

Intuitive Surgical: Robotics with recurring revenue

Intuitive Surgical shows how robotics can be used to build an ecosystem. In addition to the operating systems, instruments, accessories, maintenance and service play a role. A growing installed base of equipment can generate recurring revenue.

However, medical technology is highly regulated. Clinics carefully examine acquisition costs, utilization, training and medical benefits. New competitors could also trigger price pressure.

Kion and Symbotic: Automation in the warehouse

e-commerce,Shortage of skilled workersand increasing demands on delivery speed are driving the automation of warehouses. Kion is positioned across industrial trucks, intralogistics and automation solutions. Symbotic develops highly automated systems for large distribution centers.

The market has a lot of potential, but implementation is challenging. Large projects require capital, only work with stable software and must scale reliably during ongoing operations. Delays can put a significant strain on margins and cash flow.

Tesla Optimus: great opportunity, little reliable financial data

Tesla is one of the best-known names in the field of humanoid robotics. The company has experience in AI, batteries, electric motors, manufacturing and scaling. It is precisely this connection that makes Optimus interesting for investors.

Nevertheless, production targets, sales prices or expected margins should not be treated as established facts. As long as there is no extensive, externally verifiable delivery and results data, Optimus remains primarily a future option within the Tesla Group. The current company value cannot be reliably derived from possible robot quantities alone.

The hidden winners of the robotics value chain

A humanoid robot is not a single product, but rather a complex systemHardware, software and data. The added value is spread over numerous levels.

level Task Examples Investment thesis
semiconductor Training, inference and control NVIDIA, AMD, Infineon Every intelligent robot needs computing power
Sensors Seeing, measuring and recognizing Keyence, Cognex Autonomy is not possible without environmental data
Drives and gearboxes Movement and precision Harmonic Drive Systems, Nabtesco Mechanical quality determines usability
Automation Integration into production processes ABB, Fanuc, Siemens Existing customers and system expertise
Medical technology Robot-assisted interventions Intuitive Surgical Recurring revenue and high barriers to entry
logistics Warehousing, picking and transport Kion, Symbotic Direct economic benefit through efficiency
Software and simulation Training, planning and digital twins NVIDIA, Siemens, Dassault Systèmes Scalable platforms and software revenue

This consideration protects against a common error in thinking: the best-known robot does not have to be the best investment. While a start-up burns capital for years, suppliers can already sell components to several manufacturers.

Which metrics are important for robotics stocks?

Robotics companies cannot be judged by revenue growth alone. Depending on the business model, different key figures count.

Order intake and order backlog

For industrial automation companies, order intake shows how demand is developing. A high order backlog creates visibility, but does not guarantee a good margin. Projects can be delayed or become more expensive than planned.

Gross and operating margin

A rising gross margin may indicate pricing power, better utilization, or a higher software share. For young robotics companies, it is important to check whether each additional machine already generates a positive contribution margin.

Free cash flow

Profit and cash flow are not the same thing. Fast-growing companies can report accounting profits and still tie up a lot of capital. Permanently negative free cash flow increases the risk of further capital increases.

Research quota

High research spending is normal in robotics. However, they should lead to marketable products, patents, better software or decreasing production costs. Research without a clear path to commercialization can become a bottomless pit.

Recurring sales

Service contracts, consumables, software subscriptions and maintenance stabilize the business. Companies that regularly generate additional revenue after selling a machine often have a more attractive business model than pure hardware providers.

Evaluation

The price-earnings ratio is often not sufficient for young growth companies. Depending on your level of maturity, enterprise value to revenue, free cash flow, operating margin and expected growth may make more sense. However, forecasts remain prone to errors. The further into the future the expected profit is, the more the fair value reacts to small changes in assumptions.

What opportunities do robotics investments offer?

Shortage of skilled workers and demographic change

Companies don’t just automate to save wages. There is a shortage of qualified workers in numerous areas. Robots can take on monotonous, physically demanding or dangerous tasks. This particularly applies to production, logistics, care support and service.

Artificial intelligence expands the range of applications

Classic industrial robots often work in clearly defined environments. Modern AI systems can process speech, images and sensor data. This should allow robots to react more flexibly and learn new tasks more quickly.

You can find out more about the technical connection in our article aboutEmbodied AIand in the subject areaAI and AI.

Falling costs for computing power and components

More powerful chips, better simulation software and standardized components can make development and operation cheaper. However, it does not automatically follow that every robot is economical. Companies must factor in acquisition, integration, maintenance, energy consumption, downtime and employee training.

Recurring revenue models

Robot-as-a-Service, maintenance contracts, software licenses and usage-based billing can turn a one-off machine sale into a more predictable business model. What is relevant for investors is whether these proceeds actually generate high margins or simply shift financing costs.

Risks of Robotics ETFs and Robotics Stocks

High expectations are already priced in

A growing market does not guarantee good stock returns. If investors are already expecting extremely high sales and margins, even strong growth can be disappointing. The share price may then fall despite good operating figures.

Thematic ETFs can be surprisingly concentrated

A fund with 80 or 100 positions seems broad at first glance. The economic risk can still depend heavily on a few factors: US technology, semiconductors, Japanese industry and global investment cycles.

Overlaps in the depot

Many robotics ETFs contain stocks that are also represented in MSCI World, Nasdaq, AI or semiconductor funds. Anyone who combines several themed products does not automatically achieve more diversification.

Technological displacement

A manufacturer can be a leader today and fall behind in a few years. New software architectures, cheaper competitors or better components are quickly changing the market. Patents and experience offer protection, but no guarantee.

China, export and supply chain risks

Robotics is international. Chips, rare raw materials, engines, sensors and manufacturing capacities come from different regions. Trade restrictions, export controls and geopolitical conflicts can increase costs or make access to key components more difficult.

Regulation and liability

The more autonomous a robot works, the more relevant product safety, data protection, liability and AI regulation become. This can slow down market launches and incur additional costs. But regulation is not just a burden. Clear rules can create trust and weed out dubious providers.

Unrealistic amortization calculations

Statements like “The robot will pay for itself in less than a year” can only be supported with concrete assumptions. A serious invoice must at least take into account acquisition, financing, integration, maintenance, downtime, energy, modifications, training and actually replaceable working hours.

Simplified payback formula

Payback period = total investment ÷ annual net benefit

If a system including integration costs 150,000 euros and saves 50,000 euros net per year after maintenance, energy and ongoing fees, the calculated payback period is three years. If the workload changes, the result changes immediately.

How much robotics belongs in the depot?

Robotics is a megatrend, but not a replacement for a broadly diversified core portfolio. A core-satellite strategy is therefore suitable for many private investors: a global equity ETF forms the core. A robotics ETF or select robotics stocks complement it as a smaller satellite position.

There is no general correct percentage. The appropriate weighting depends on loss-bearing capacity, investment horizon, income, reserves and existing positions. Anyone who already owns a lot of technology and semiconductor stocks may have already had significant indirect exposure to robotics.

Before investing, investors should answer five questions

  • Can I withstand a temporary loss of 40 or 50 percent without selling in a panic?
  • How high is my existing stake in technology and industrial stocks?
  • Do I invest for the long term or speculate on short-term headlines?
  • Do I understand the ETF’s index rules and largest positions?
  • Would my overall portfolio work without a robotics investment?

Rigid stop losses are not a one-size-fits-all solution. For volatile stocks, a tight mark can trigger selling during a short-term swing. It often makes more sense to determine the position size, investment horizon and fundamental sales criteria before purchasing.

Conclusion: Robotics is a strong trend, but not a sure-fire success

Robotics, automation and physical AI have long-term economic potential. Industry, logistics, medicine and services are looking for ways to become more productive and independent of the labor shortage. Robot manufacturers can benefit from this, as can chip developers, sensor providers, software companies and factory automation specialists.

Nevertheless, stock market success does not solely depend on market growth. Purchase price, valuation, competition, margins, capital requirements and management quality determine what ultimately reaches shareholders.

For beginners, a broadly focused robotics ETF is usually easier to control than a portfolio of speculative individual stocks. Experienced investors can also analyze profitable, quality companies from the value chain. Pure bets on humanoid business models that have not yet been proven, on the other hand, should only make up a small, deliberately speculative part of the assets.

FAQ: Common questions about robotics ETFs and stocks

Which is the best robotics ETF?

There is no blanket best robotics ETF. The iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF offers relatively broad access, while the Amundi MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF combines robotics more closely with artificial intelligence. Investors should compare costs, index methodology, fund size, holdings and overlap.

Do robotics ETFs make sense?

Robotics ETFs can make sense as a long-term addition. They spread the risk across several companies, but remain concentrated thematic investments. They are usually unsuitable as a sole retirement provision or as a replacement for a global stock ETF.

Which German stocks benefit from robotics?

The listed German beneficiaries include Siemens, Kion and Infineon. Siemens is active in factory automation and industrial software, Kion in intralogistics and Infineon supplies semiconductors for drives, sensors and industrial systems. None of these stocks are pure robotics investments.

Can you buy Figure AI or NEURA Robotics stock?

According to the currently publicly known status, Figure AI and NEURA Robotics cannot be regularly traded as independent shares on the stock exchange. Offers of alleged WKNs or freely tradable shares should be examined particularly critically. Private investors receive at most indirect exposure via investors, partners or suppliers.

Is NVIDIA a robotics stock?

NVIDIA isn’t a pure robotics stock. The company supplies computing chips, software and simulation platforms that are also used for robots. However, the economic focus is broader on AI infrastructure and semiconductors.

Is Tesla a robotics investment because of Optimus?

Tesla offers possible participation in the humanoid robot market through Optimus. However, the company’s current success continues to depend heavily on the vehicle, energy and software business. Optimus should therefore be evaluated as a future option and not as an already proven mass business.

Are robotics ETFs riskier than an MSCI World ETF?

Usually yes. Robotics ETFs focus on specific industries, technologies and regions. This means they can fluctuate significantly more than a broadly diversified global ETF.

Which industries benefit most from robotics?

In addition to robot manufacturers, semiconductors, sensors, machine vision, precision gears, factory software, medical technology and warehouse automation can benefit. Which group is growing the most depends on the respective area of ​​application and the speed of commercial introduction.

How do you recognize a good robotics stock?

A good market position alone is not enough. Investors should examine revenue growth, margins, cash flow, research expenses, debt, recurring revenue and valuation together. A comprehensible path from technical innovation to profitable sales is particularly important.

How high should the proportion of robotics be in the depot?

There is no universal quota. Robotics is more suitable as a limited addition to a diversified core portfolio. The amount must match your personal risk profile and the existing technology weighting.

Sources and further information

  • BaFin: Exchange Traded Funds and Risks of ETFs
  • Deutsche Bundesbank: Navigation aids in the ETF jungle
  • Deutsche Bundesbank: Importance and risks of ETFs
  • iShares: Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF
  • Amundi: MSCI Robotics & AI UCITS ETF
  • Federal Statistical Office: Use of artificial intelligence in German companies

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Nico Nuss [Image content created with AI]
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Author Nico Nuss has been working on mobile computing and automation software since 2001. Drawing on his experience and strong interest in future technologies, he focuses on robotics and AI.

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