There's an ETF for That? Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI

KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF

KOID

The KraneShares Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF

helped kick-start this thematic niche when it launched in June 2025. Just over a year later, the fund has grown to approximately $351 million in assets under management.

For a 0.69% expense ratio, KOID tracks the MerQube Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index, which targets companies involved in developing the hardware, components and technologies needed to bring humanoid robots into commercial use.

In practice, this produces a relatively concentrated portfolio with limited overlap with conventional U.S. large-cap technology benchmarks. Familiar names such as Nvidia and Texas Instruments are present, but they account for relatively small portions of the portfolio, and the fund isn't excessively top-heavy.

Instead, investors will encounter less familiar companies such as Renesas Electronics, Regal Rexnord, Cognex and Nabtesco. These businesses provide technologies ranging from semiconductors and industrial power transmission equipment to machine vision systems, precision motion control and robotic components.

Geographically, KOID is also quite different from a typical AI ETF. Alongside its U.S. holdings, it maintains substantial allocations to Japanese and Chinese companies, reflecting the importance of Asian manufacturers in robotics supply chains.

Sector exposure is another distinguishing feature. Rather than concentrating exclusively on information technology, KOID places considerable emphasis on industrials and consumer discretionary companies. That makes sense given the intended applications of humanoid robots, which extend into manufacturing, logistics, transportation and consumer-facing services.

Themes Humanoid Robotics ETF

BOTT

Investors looking for a cheaper alternative can consider the Themes Humanoid Robotics ETF

, which charges a 0.35% expense ratio, approximately half that of KOID. It was launched in April 2024, but was called the Themes Robotics & Automation ETF until August 19, 2025.

BOTT tracks the Solactive Global Humanoid Robotics Index. The selection process emphasizes companies deriving at least 50% of their revenues from qualifying robotics activities, covering areas such as humanoid service robotics, industrial autonomous robotics, assistive and wearable robotics, AI-powered cognitive robotics, robotic mobility, actuation and mechatronics.

That revenue-based approach is intended to prioritize companies with more direct economic exposure to robotics rather than simply including diversified technology businesses with peripheral involvement in the theme. The resulting portfolio contains just 31 holdings, making BOTT relatively concentrated.

It also has a pronounced Chinese equity allocation, reflecting the country's growing presence in robotics manufacturing, components and automation. There are still recognizable U.S. companies in the portfolio, including Tesla, Nvidia and Teradyne. However, the overall geographic and industry composition differs substantially from the mega-cap-heavy exposure investors typically associate with AI ETFs.

At 0.35%, BOTT is the most affordable of these three options, although its concentrated holdings and significant Chinese exposure introduce risks that investors should consider alongside the lower fee.

Roundhill Humanoid Robotics ETF

HUMN

Roundhill has become one of the more prolific issuers of specialized AI ETFs, with products targeting generative AI, memory, multilayer ceramic capacitors, neocloud infrastructure and photonics. Its entry into physical AI is the Roundhill Humanoid Robotics ETF

, which debuted in June 2025.

HUMN charges a 0.75% expense ratio, making it the most expensive of the three ETFs profiled here. It currently manages approximately $89 million in assets across a portfolio of 43 companies. HUMN sits between KOID and BOTT in terms of portfolio breadth, although its higher expense ratio creates a greater hurdle for long-term performance.

Like KOID and BOTT, HUMN takes a global approach to the humanoid robotics supply chain. It maintains substantial exposure to Chinese, Japanese and South Korean companies, recognizing that many of the components required for humanoid robots, including sensors, actuators, motors, precision manufacturing equipment and electronics, are produced in Asia.

However, the portfolio also includes major U.S. technology companies. Tesla is currently its largest holding at approximately 6.4%, providing exposure to the development of its Optimus humanoid robot. Nvidia is another notable position, reflecting its role in supplying AI computing hardware, simulation platforms and robotics development tools.

Please note that this article reflects the author’s personal views and does not represent the opinions of the publication or its affiliates. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. It is essential to seek guidance from a registered financial professional before making any investment decisions.