Betashares expands robotics ETF & adds humanoid theme

Betashares has revised the index methodology for its Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF, RBTZ, expanding the portfolio and adding a humanoid robotics segment.

The update lifts the number of holdings to 60 from 49, with 20 additions and nine deletions. It also broadens the fund's country exposure to include China through the addition of seven China A-shares companies.

It also changes how the ETF defines artificial intelligence exposure. Under the revised methodology, AI companies will qualify only if their technologies directly support physical AI and robotics systems, including chips, platforms and industrial software.

This narrows the product's focus toward robotics-related uses of AI rather than broader software or digital themes. The fund will also shift to semi-annual rebalancing from an annual schedule, allowing more frequent portfolio adjustments.

Robotics focus

Betashares said the changes reflect developments across the robotics market, including advances in embodied artificial intelligence, the emergence of humanoid robotics technologies and China's growing role in the sector.

The new humanoid robotics sub-theme is designed to capture companies developing robots intended to operate in human environments, with potential applications in healthcare, services, logistics and entertainment.

Embodied intelligence has become a growing area of interest for investors and technology groups as companies seek to combine AI models with machines that can interact with the physical world. The revised methodology gives greater weight to that part of the market.

The update further refines a thematic ETF at a time when fund managers are revisiting index construction to better reflect changes in fast-moving technology sectors. The inclusion of more China-based companies also highlights a broader recognition among investors that robotics development is no longer concentrated only in the US, Japan and parts of Europe.

China has become a significant manufacturing and research base for industrial automation and robotics, while domestic companies have advanced in sensors, machine vision, components and humanoid robot design. Adding China A-shares gives the fund exposure to companies listed on mainland exchanges that can be harder for some international investors to access directly.

Portfolio changes

The increase in holdings suggests Betashares is seeking broader exposure across the robotics value chain while sharpening its inclusion criteria. The result is a portfolio with more names and a clearer emphasis on businesses tied to physical automation systems.

That distinction matters because many investment products linked to robotics and AI have historically combined industrial automation firms with a much broader range of software and semiconductor stocks. By narrowing eligibility for AI-related holdings, Betashares appears to draw a firmer line between general AI exposure and companies more directly linked to robotics applications.

Alex Vynokur, Chief Executive Officer of Betashares, said the update was intended to keep the ETF aligned with developments across the sector.

"Robotics and automation are evolving at a rapid pace, and it's critical that investment solutions evolve alongside these changes to ensure investors are capturing the most compelling opportunities," Vynokur said.

"These enhancements sharpen the fund's focus on companies at the forefront of robotics innovation, while expanding the opportunity set to include emerging technologies and new areas of growth across the ecosystem. In particular, the introduction of a humanoid robotics sub-theme reflects what we see as one of the most compelling and transformative frontiers in technology today, with the potential to reshape industries ranging from manufacturing through to services and healthcare."