ARKQ vs BOTZ: Which Robotics ETF Is the Better Buy in 2026?

The ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (NYSEMKT:ARKQ) offers an actively managed portfolio of leading tech companies investing in automation, while the Global X - Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ) provides indexed exposure to the global robotics market.

Both ETFs target the high-growth robotics and automation theme, yet they differ in execution. While one fund tracks an established index of companies involved in robotics and artificial intelligence, the other utilizes active management to capture technological breakthroughs in autonomous systems and energy storage across varied sectors.

Snapshot (cost & size)

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

BOTZ is the more affordable choice with its 0.68% expense ratio, saving investors about $0.70 annually for every $1,000 invested compared to its ARK counterpart. Additionally, BOTZ provides a higher payout for income-seeking investors.

Performance & risk comparison

What's inside

ARKQ is an actively managed fund that targets disruptive innovation in fields like autonomous transportation and energy storage. Its portfolio consists of 40 holdings, primarily in industrials (39%), technology (32%), and consumer cyclical (17%). Its largest positions include Tesla at 9.47%, Teradyne at 6.61%, and Kratos Defense & Security at 6.48%.

The fund was launched in 2014. It has paid $0.31 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, at its recent $122.4 share price, works out to a 0.2% yield.

BOTZ tracks the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, providing exposure to 62 companies across the AI and robotics value chain. It leans heavily into industrials at 51%, technology at 31%, and healthcare at 8%. Top holdings include Keyence at 10.62%, ABB at 9.31%, and Nvidia at 9.08%.

The fund was launched in 2016. It has paid $0.18 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, at its recent $37.3 share price, works out to a 0.5% yield.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

Which looks like the better buy?

ARKQ and BOTZ both offer exposure to the same theme but use different approaches.

ARKQ is investing in all the leading technology companies involved in automation, including software. For example, you’ll find Palantir Technologies in ARKQ, but not BOTZ, which is more of a pure-play on the companies building the global supply chain for robotics.

With ARKQ, you’re getting more exposure to Magnificent Seven names like Amazon, which uses robotics in its e-commerce business. But some investors may want more precise exposure to companies with a greater focus on robotics, specifically.

BOTZ gives you that. It includes dozens of lesser-known foreign companies directly involved in automation and robotics technologies, such as Shenzhen Inovance Technology and Rainbow Robotics, among several other companies helping to build out the global value chain for automation technology.

The inclusion of large-cap tech stocks with involvement in robotics and automation is why ARKQ has outperformed BOTZ. However, most investors probably already have ample exposure to large-cap tech stocks through an index fund, making BOTZ the better ETF for investing in automation and robotics.

John Ballard has positions in Amazon, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Abb, Amazon, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Teradyne, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.