2 Smart ETF Plays to Ride the AI Wave Without Picking Individual Stocks

• Two ETF strategies offer different approaches to gaining exposure in the AI and robotics space.

• One tracks an index of global innovators, while the other uses an active stock-picking model.

• Recent performance suggests growing investor interest in automation and next-gen technologies.

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The artificial intelligence boom is changing many industries and opening up new investment opportunities. But figuring out how to invest in AI can be tricky. There are lots of stocks, each with its own risks and details. That is where ETFs can help—they offer a simple, low-cost, and diversified way to invest in AI.

Here are two ETFs worth considering:

1. Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ) offers investors a straightforward way to gain exposure to some of the most exciting and disruptive technologies shaping our future. This ETF tracks the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, focusing on companies leading the charge in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.

From autonomous vehicles and advanced factory automation to AI-driven healthcare solutions, BOTZ covers a broad spectrum of innovations. The fund includes global leaders like NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), ABB (ST:ABB), and Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ:ISRG)—companies developing the hardware and software powering the next wave of technological transformation. With an expense ratio of 0.68%, BOTZ provides a cost-efficient entry point into this fast-growing space.

As of June 2025, BOTZ has posted a strong three-year return of 17.3%, a testament to the rising demand for smart machines and intelligent systems across industries. The ETF appeals to investors looking for long-term growth potential, especially those who want to align their portfolios with the evolution of how we live, work, and interact with technology.

In short, BOTZ offers a compelling opportunity for those who believe that the future belongs to machines that think, learn, and act—and the companies building them.

2. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)

The ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (NYSE:ARKQ) is managed by Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest, a firm known for backing companies that aim to disrupt the status quo and reshape the future. Rather than tracking a traditional index like most ETFs, ARKQ takes an actively managed approach—handpicking stocks based on high-conviction ideas and long-term innovation themes.

The fund focuses on breakthrough sectors such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, 3D printing, space exploration, and advanced defense technologies. Its portfolio includes forward-thinking companies like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), Kratos Defense & (NASDAQ:KTOS) Security, Teradyne (NASDAQ:TER), Archer Aviation Inc (NYSE:ACHR), Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:PLTR), Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:RKLB), and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)—businesses developing cutting-edge solutions across both civilian and defense applications.

With an expense ratio of 0.75%, ARKQ reflects ARK Invest’s belief in active management as a way to stay ahead of fast-moving technological trends. Over the past decade, the fund has delivered an impressive return of 355%, with a 73% gain over the past three years, and analysts project another 15% upside in 2025.

For investors who want more than just exposure to emerging technologies—and prefer a strategy that leans into bold bets on innovation—ARKQ offers a dynamic and forward-looking alternative to traditional tech ETFs.

Bottom Line

The rise of AI has opened up a complex but compelling corner of the market. BOTZ and ARKQ offer two well-defined entry points into this space—one built around global automation leaders, the other around forward-leaning innovation themes.

Both ETFs have seen strong multi-year performance, but in different ways: BOTZ tracks mature companies already embedded in supply chains and industrial systems, while ARKQ leans into newer technologies with longer time horizons. As AI moves from hype to infrastructure, these funds give a glimpse into how investors are starting to separate signal from noise—and where capital might flow next.

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