How to Invest in Robotics: Stocks, ETFs, and Private Companies

The robotics industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, labor shortages, and increasing automation needs across virtually every sector. For investors, this presents both opportunity and complexity—how do you gain meaningful exposure to this transformative technology?

This guide explores the various ways to invest in robotics, from publicly traded stocks to ETFs to private market opportunities, along with the key factors to consider when building a robotics-focused portfolio.

The Investment Case for Robotics

Before diving into specific investment vehicles, it’s worth understanding why robotics represents a compelling long-term investment theme.

Market Growth Projections

The global robotics market is projected to grow from approximately $45 billion in 2025 to over $150 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-15%. Certain segments, particularly autonomous mobile robots and humanoid robots, are expected to grow even faster.

Structural Tailwinds

Several macro trends support long-term robotics adoption:

1. Demographic shifts: Aging populations in developed economies create persistent labor shortages
2. Rising labor costs: Minimum wage increases and tight labor markets improve automation economics
3. AI advancement: Large language models and computer vision dramatically expand what robots can do
4. Supply chain resilience: Companies seek to reduce dependency on offshore manufacturing
5. Safety requirements: Robots can perform dangerous tasks that put humans at risk

Investment Risks

No investment thesis is without risks:

• Technological uncertainty: Many robotics technologies are still maturing
• Competition: The industry is highly competitive with compressed margins in some segments
• Regulatory risk: Autonomous systems face evolving regulatory frameworks
• Cyclicality: Industrial robot demand correlates with manufacturing cycles
• Valuation: Some robotics stocks trade at premium multiples

Public Market Investment Options

Individual Robotics Stocks

The most direct way to invest in robotics is through individual stocks. Companies fall into several categories:

Pure-Play Robotics Companies

These companies derive most or all of their revenue from robotics:

Industrial Robot Leaders:

• FANUC (6954.T / FANUY) - Japanese leader in industrial robots and CNCs
• ABB (ABB) - Swiss industrial automation giant
• KUKA (KU2.DE) - German industrial robot manufacturer (Midea-owned)
• Yaskawa (6506.T / YASKY) - Japanese motion control and robotics

Surgical Robotics:

• Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) - Dominant player with da Vinci system
• Stryker (SYK) - Mako orthopedic surgical system
• Medtronic (MDT) - Hugo surgical robotics platform

Autonomous Vehicles:

• Tesla (TSLA) - Autopilot/FSD and Optimus humanoid robot
• Aurora (AUR) - Autonomous trucking
• Mobileye (MBLY) - ADAS and autonomous driving technology

Diversified Companies with Robotics Exposure

Many large technology and industrial companies have significant robotics businesses:

• Honeywell (HON) - Warehouse automation and industrial software
• Rockwell Automation (ROK) - Industrial automation and connected enterprise
• Siemens (SIEGY) - Factory automation and digital industries
• Cognex (CGNX) - Machine vision systems for robotics
• Teradyne (TER) - Universal Robots cobot division
• John Deere (DE) - Agricultural automation and autonomous tractors

Component and Infrastructure Plays

Companies providing essential robotics components:

• NVIDIA (NVDA) - AI chips powering robot perception and control
• Harmonic Drive (6324.T) - Precision gear systems for robot joints
• Microchip Technology (MCHP) - Microcontrollers for motor control
• Texas Instruments (TXN) - Analog semiconductors for robotics
• LeddarTech / Ouster (OUST) - LiDAR sensors

Robotics ETFs

For diversified exposure without stock-picking, several ETFs focus on robotics and automation:

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

• Focus: Companies involved in robotics, automation, and AI
• Holdings: ~40 stocks including FANUC, Intuitive Surgical, ABB
• Expense ratio: 0.68%
• Pros: Large, liquid, pure robotics focus
• Cons: Japan/US heavy, some AI companies dilute robotics focus

ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO)

• Focus: Robotics, automation, and enabling technologies
• Holdings: ~80 stocks, more diversified than BOTZ
• Expense ratio: 0.95%
• Pros: Broader exposure, active index methodology
• Cons: Higher expense ratio, some small-cap volatility

iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO)

• Focus: AI and robotics across multiple sectors
• Holdings: ~100 stocks
• Expense ratio: 0.47%
• Pros: Lower cost, diverse exposure
• Cons: Heavy AI focus may dilute pure robotics exposure

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)

• Focus: Autonomous technology, robotics, energy storage
• Holdings: ~35 stocks, actively managed
• Expense ratio: 0.75%
• Pros: Active management, high-conviction picks
• Cons: Concentrated portfolio, ARK’s volatile track record

International Robotics Stocks

The robotics industry has significant international exposure:

Japan (world’s largest robot producer):

• FANUC, Yaskawa, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, OMRON

Germany (industrial automation hub):

• KUKA, Siemens, Festo

South Korea (emerging humanoid and cobot player):

• Rainbow Robotics (277810.KS) - Humanoid robots
• Doosan Robotics (454910.KS) - Collaborative robots
• Hyundai Motor (owns Boston Dynamics)

China (rapidly growing domestic market):

• UBTECH (9880.HK) - Humanoid and educational robots
• Siasun (300024.SZ) - Industrial robots
• Estun Automation (002747.SZ) - Servo systems and robots

Private Market Investments

Some of the most exciting robotics companies remain private, but accessing these investments is more challenging.

Venture Capital and Private Equity

High-net-worth individuals and institutional investors can access private robotics companies through:

1. Direct investment: Participating in funding rounds (typically requires accredited investor status and connections)
2. Venture capital funds: Funds like Lux Capital, Playground Global, and Toyota Ventures focus on robotics
3. Private equity funds: Later-stage robotics investments
4. Secondary markets: Platforms like Forge, EquityZen, and CartaX offer shares in pre-IPO companies

Notable Private Robotics Companies (as of early 2026):

Crowdfunding and Retail Access

Some robotics companies have raised capital through crowdfunding platforms, offering retail investor access to private companies. However, these investments carry high risk and limited liquidity.

Building a Robotics Portfolio

Portfolio Construction Considerations

When building robotics exposure:

1. Diversification: Spread investments across subsectors (industrial, medical, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
2. Geographic balance: Include exposure to key robotics markets (US, Japan, Europe, China)
3. Market cap mix: Combine large-cap stability with small-cap growth potential
4. Value chain coverage: Include both robot makers and enabling technologies
5. Risk tolerance: Balance speculative growth plays with established companies

Sample Portfolio Allocations

Conservative Robotics Allocation (via ETFs):

• 60% BOTZ (pure robotics focus)
• 20% ROBO (broader automation)
• 20% individual large-cap stocks (ISRG, FANUC, etc.)

Growth-Oriented Allocation:

• 40% pure-play robotics stocks
• 30% robotics ETF core
• 20% emerging technology plays (humanoids, AV)
• 10% component/enabler stocks

Aggressive/Speculative:

• 50% growth stocks (emerging robotics)
• 30% private market exposure (if available)
• 20% speculative positions (pre-revenue, early-stage)

Due Diligence Checklist

When evaluating individual robotics investments, consider:

Business Model

• Is the company selling robots, software, or services?
• What’s the competitive moat (technology, scale, ecosystem)?
• How recurring is the revenue (one-time sales vs. subscriptions)?

Market Position

• Market share in target segments
• Customer concentration risk
• Geographic diversification

Technology

• Technology differentiation vs. competitors
• R&D spending and innovation track record
• Intellectual property strength

Financial Health

• Revenue growth rate and trajectory
• Gross margins and path to profitability
• Balance sheet strength
• Cash burn rate (for pre-profit companies)

Valuation

• Price-to-sales or price-to-earnings multiples
• Comparison to peers
• Implied growth expectations

Timing and Patience

Robotics is a long-term investment theme. While certain segments will experience cyclical volatility:

• Industrial robots correlate with manufacturing cycles
• Surgical robots are more recession-resistant
• Consumer robots can be discretionary purchases
• Autonomous vehicles face regulatory milestones

Investors should have a multi-year horizon and be prepared for volatility in emerging segments like humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles.

Conclusion

Investing in robotics offers exposure to one of the most transformative technology trends of the coming decades. Whether through individual stocks, ETFs, or private market investments, there are multiple ways to participate in this growth.

The key is matching your investment approach to your risk tolerance, time horizon, and ability to perform due diligence. For most retail investors, a core ETF position supplemented by select individual stocks offers a reasonable balance of diversification and targeted exposure.

As always, robotics investments should be part of a diversified portfolio appropriate for your financial situation and goals.

Track publicly traded robotics companies in our stocks section, or explore funding trends in our funding leaderboard. For company-specific research, browse our company directory.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.