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

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) has delivered higher trailing returns.

Global X - Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) offers a lower expense ratio and a higher dividend yield for income-focused investors.

BOTZ tilts toward healthcare while ARKQ features a substantial weight in consumer cyclical stocks.

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.

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.

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%.