BOTZ vs ROBO: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Robotics
Quick Verdict
ROBO edges out BOTZ with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8 vs 7.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between BOTZ and ROBO
BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF) is a robotics/ai fund managed by Global X. BOTZ invests in companies leading the development and production of robotics, automation systems, and artificial intelligence technologies worldwide. It holds industrial robot makers, AI software developers, and autonomous vehicle technology firms. This fund is designed for investors who believe automation and AI will reshape industries over the coming decades.
ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF) is a robotics/automation fund managed by ROBO Global. ROBO tracks an index of companies involved in robotics, automation, and AI-related technologies across the entire value chain. It uses an equal-weight approach that gives smaller specialized firms as much influence as large tech giants. This design makes it a broader and more diversified alternative to market-cap-weighted robotics funds.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.68% vs 0.95%), number of holdings (45 vs 80), and 5-year returns (12.00% vs 9.00%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
54%
Holdings Overlap
BOTZ and ROBO share 54% of their top holdings. There is moderate overlap, so owning both provides some additional diversification but with diminishing returns.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
BOTZ
Fee cost: $5,531
ROBO
Fee cost: $7,549
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $2,018 on a $10,000 investment. BOTZ saves you more in fees over time.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose BOTZ if: You want investors seeking long-term exposure to the automation and ai megatrend, those who want a diversified basket of robotics companies rather than picking individual stocks, growth-oriented investors comfortable with technology sector concentration. It's managed by Global X with an expense ratio of 0.68%.
Choose ROBO if: You want investors who prefer equal-weight diversification across the robotics industry, those who want exposure to smaller innovative automation companies alongside leaders, long-term investors who believe in broad automation adoption across many industries. It's managed by ROBO Global with an expense ratio of 0.95%.
Can You Own Both BOTZ and ROBO?
With 54% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy BOTZ or ROBO?▾
ROBO edges out BOTZ with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (8 vs 7.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. BOTZ is best for investors who want investors seeking long-term exposure to the automation and ai megatrend, while ROBO is better suited for investors who prefer equal-weight diversification across the robotics industry.
What is the difference between BOTZ and ROBO?▾
BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF) tracks robotics/ai investments with 45 holdings and a 0.68% expense ratio. ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF) focuses on robotics/automation with 80 holdings at 0.95%. Their top holdings overlap by 54%.
Can I own both BOTZ and ROBO?▾
Since BOTZ and ROBO have 54% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.