What are IBOT and ROBO, and what do they do?

IBOT and ROBO are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on the technology sector, specifically robotics and automation. ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, holding a basket of assets that track a specific index or theme. Both funds aim to provide investors with exposure to companies involved in robotics, automation, and related technologies, allowing for diversified investments in these emerging fields.

What are expense ratios and why do they matter in ETFs?

The expense ratio is an annual fee charged by the fund to manage its assets, expressed as a percentage of the fund's total assets. For example, IBOT has an expense ratio of 0.47%, while ROBO has 0.95%. A lower expense ratio means less of your investment is taken out each year to pay for fund management, which can significantly impact long-term returns due to the compounding effect of fees.

How do the two funds differ in terms of their investment focus?

Both IBOT and ROBO target the robotics and automation sector but may differ in strategy. IBOT launched in 2023 and appears to have a more concentrated approach with higher weights in top holdings like NVDA and EMR. ROBO, launched in 2013, has a more diversified portfolio with smaller individual holdings such as ILMN and ZBRA. These differences can affect performance and risk profiles.

What is the fee difference between IBOT and ROBO?

IBOT charges an expense ratio of 0.47%, whereas ROBO charges 0.95%. This means IBOT is 0.48 percentage points cheaper annually. Over time, lower fees can compound positively, potentially leading to greater net returns. It's important to consider this cost difference when evaluating the long-term impact of fees on your investment growth.

How do the top holdings of IBOT and ROBO compare?

IBOT and ROBO share two top-10 holdings: EMR and ROK. IBOT has higher concentration in top holdings like NVDA (5.60%) and EMR (5.50%), while ROBO's largest holding is ILMN (2.34%) with more diversified weights. This suggests IBOT may offer more concentrated exposure, whereas ROBO provides broader diversification across its holdings.

What is the dividend yield difference between the two ETFs?

IBOT offers a dividend yield of 0.31%, slightly lower than ROBO's 0.36%. While both yields are modest, the difference is minimal. Dividend yield reflects the income component of total return, but for growth-oriented ETFs like these, capital appreciation typically plays a more significant role than dividend income.

Is IBOT's higher concentration in top holdings advantageous or risky?

IBOT's higher concentration in top holdings (e.g., NVDA at 5.60%) may amplify gains if those companies perform well but could also increase risk if they underperform. Conversely, ROBO's more diversified approach may reduce single-stock risk but could dilute potential upside from top performers.

What factors could influence the robotics ETFs' future performance?

Key factors include technological advancements, adoption rates in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, economic conditions, and competition from traditional methods. Both IBOT and ROBO will likely benefit from increased automation trends but may face risks from high valuations or regulatory changes affecting tech companies.

How does liquidity affect investing in ETFs like IBOT and ROBO?

IBOT has net assets of $99 million, while ROBO has $2.0 billion, suggesting ROBO may offer better trading liquidity. Higher liquidity generally means easier buying and selling with less impact on price. Smaller funds like IBOT might experience wider bid-ask spreads during volatile market conditions.

Which ETF is better for investors seeking established track records?

ROBO has been available since October 2013, providing a longer track record for performance analysis. IBOT, launched in April 2023, has limited historical data. Investors prioritising consistency might prefer ROBO, while those seeking potentially more modern strategies might consider IBOT's recent approach.

What should I consider before choosing between IBOT and ROBO?

Consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and preference for fees versus established track records. IBOT offers lower fees (0.47% expense ratio) and higher concentration, while ROBO has greater liquidity and a longer history. Also, review their holdings to understand how each aligns with your portfolio's diversification needs.

IBOT vs ROBO

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in October 2026.

IBOT vs ROBO compares VanEck Robotics and ROBO Global Robotics & Automation ETFs on fees, holdings, dividends and market tracking. IBOT charges 0.47% and launched in 2023; ROBO charges 0.95% and launched in 2013. Both focus on robotics and automation, with EMR and ROK among shared top holdings. Educational content, not financial advice.

IBOT vs ROBO compares VanEck Robotics and ROBO Global Robotics & Automation ETFs on fees, holdings, dividends and market tracking. IBOT charges 0.47% and launched in 2023; ROBO charges 0.95% and launc...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IBOT

Metric

ROBO

0.47%

Expense Ratio

0.95%

0.31%

Dividend Yield

0.36%

$98.85M

Net Assets

$1.98B

68

Holdings

90

Apr 5, 2023

Inception Date

Oct 22, 2013

–

Index Tracked

–

Technology

Fund Category

Technology

IBOT costs about $48.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	IBOT	ROBO
EMREmerson Electric Co.	5.50%	1.67%
ROKRockwell Automation, Inc.	3.51%	1.65%

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BOTZ vs ROBO

BOTZ vs ROBO: BOTZ holds 103 robotics and AI stocks for 0.68% a year, ROBO holds 90 for 0.95%, a $27 gap per $10,000. Compare holdings and concentration.

Investment Analysis

IBOT

Pros

The expense ratio is lower at 0.47% compared to the alternative fund.
Inception date is recent, potentially reflecting updated robotics investment methodologies.
Top holding weights are higher, indicating a more concentrated active management strategy.

Considerations

Net assets are significantly smaller at $99 million, which may affect trading liquidity.
The fund's dividend yield is marginally lower at 0.31% compared to the competitor.
Index tracking information is not available, reducing transparency on the underlying methodology.

ROBO

Pros

Net assets are much larger at $2.0 billion, suggesting better trading liquidity and stability.
The fund has a long track record, having launched in October 2013.
Dividend yield is slightly higher at 0.36% compared to the alternative fund.

Considerations

The expense ratio is considerably higher at 0.95%, increasing the total cost of ownership.
Top holdings are more diversified with lower individual weights, potentially diluting concentrated growth.
Issuer details are not available, which limits transparency on the fund manager's background.

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About IBOT and ROBO

IBOT (IBOT)

Ticker IBOT is not identified here with a specific company name. Before considering an investment, verify the issuer and exchange using a broker, exchange lookup or the company’s investor relations pages. Key things to check include the company’s business model, revenue and profitability trends, cash flow and debt, management experience, and competitive position. Also assess liquidity (average daily volume and market capitalisation), valuation metrics and recent news or regulatory developments. Small or thinly traded tickers can be more volatile and harder to buy or sell at the desired price. This summary is for general education only and not personalised financial advice — values can rise or fall and you should confirm whether the stock suits your circumstances before investing.

ROBO (ROBO)

ROBO (Robo Global Robotics & Automation ETF) is an exchange-traded fund that gives investors diversified exposure to companies involved in robotics, automation and related technologies worldwide. It offers access to firms across manufacturing automation, industrial robots, AI, sensors, healthcare robotics and software — spanning different market caps and geographies. As an ETF, ROBO trades like a share on exchanges and its price reflects the value of the underlying holdings. Market capitalisation isn’t applicable in the usual way for an ETF. Investors should note this is a thematic, technology‑heavy exposure that can be more volatile than broad-market funds; returns are not guaranteed and values can fall as well as rise. Consider fees, trading costs and tax treatment, and check the fund’s prospectus for details. This information is educational only and not personal advice; consider your objectives and risk tolerance or consult a financial adviser before investing.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Rise Of The Machines: The Robotics Revolution

This basket focuses on companies at the forefront of the robotics and automation revolution. It provides exposure to both the hardware manufacturers and the software developers driving this technological shift.

Published: 12 August 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Rise Of The Machines: The Robotics Revolution

This basket focuses on companies at the forefront of the robotics and automation revolution. It provides exposure to both the hardware manufacturers and the software developers driving this technological shift.

Published: 12 August 2025

Explore Basket

IBOT vs ROBO

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Investment Analysis

IBOT

Pros

Considerations

ROBO

Pros

Considerations

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Buy IBOT or ROBO in Nemo

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Fund Snapshot

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