ROBO vs BOTZ: Two Takes on Robotics & Automation
ROBO spreads across ~90 robotics names with an equal-weight tilt at 0.95%. BOTZ concentrates in ~45 larger players at 0.68%. Breadth versus focus, at different fees.
ROBO and BOTZ are the two best-known robotics and automation ETFs, and they take opposite approaches. ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation) holds around 90 companies globally and tilts toward equal weighting, so smaller pure-play robotics firms get meaningful representation and no single name dominates. BOTZ (Global X Robotics & AI) holds about 45 companies and concentrates more in larger players like Nvidia, Intuitive Surgical, and major industrial automation names, so it behaves more like a focused large-cap robotics bet. The trade-offs follow directly. ROBO is more diversified and gives truer exposure to the broad robotics supply chain, but at 0.95% it is one of the more expensive thematic funds available. BOTZ is cheaper at 0.68% and its concentration in bigger names has helped it track the megacap-driven AI and automation rally, but it is less diversified and more dependent on a handful of holdings. Neither is a core position. Both are satellite thematic bets that belong in a small slice on top of a broad index fund. If you want broad robotics exposure and will pay for it, ROBO. If you want a cheaper, more concentrated bet on the larger automation and AI names, BOTZ.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
Both funds trade commission-free at every major brokerage. Where to buy them →
📋 ROBO vs BOTZ: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | ROBO | BOTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF | Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF |
| Issuer | ROBO Global | Global X |
| Tracks Index | ROBO Global Robotics & Automation | Indxx Global Robotics & AI |
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.68% ✓ |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $95.00 | $68.00 |
| AUM | $2.1B | $3.4B |
| Holdings | 90 | 45 |
| Inception | 2013 | 2016 |
| 1-Year Return | +23.15% | +1.06% |
| 3-Year Return | +17.53% | +13.08% |
| 5-Year Return | +3.58% | -1.65% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 0.49% |
| Holdings Overlap | Moderate. Both target robotics and automation, but ROBO equal-weights a broad ~90-stock global basket while BOTZ concentrates in ~45 larger names. — see full overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.04% | 0.03% |
Expense ratio, AUM, and returns updated Sep 28, 2026 from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
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📊 ROBO vs BOTZ: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want broader diversification (90 holdings vs 45)
- already use ROBO Global and prefer staying within one fund family
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$27/yr per $10K vs ROBO
- already use Global X and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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