AI innovation in 2026 is moving beyond software and GPUs into physical infrastructure like advanced photonics and robotics. This shift is driven by growing memory capacity needs and the rise of edge devices, autonomous vehicles, and real-world AI applications. Physical AI investments are seen as defensive, benefiting regardless of which AI software dominates, and are supported by policy mandates in countries like China, Japan, and the U.S. Investors can access this trend through ETFs like ROBO and THNQ, which track robotics, automation, and AI hardware advancements. This evolution promises both defensive stability and offensive growth potential as AI expands into everyday life and new markets.
At a recent TMX VettaFi Midyear Symposium, 73% of advisors reported dedicating 1-5% of client portfolios to thematic ETFs, with some allocating over 6%. Key themes gaining interest include memory (Roundhill Memory ETF - DRAM), robotics (ROBO Global R...
Robotics ETFs are gaining attention as the next AI megatrend, with ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) preferred for its diversified exposure across the global robotics supply chain. ROBO offers broad holdings with 1-2% weightings pe...
VettaFi announced its acquisition of RAFI Indices, expected to close soon, which will triple its ETF index assets from $90 billion to over $260 billion. This expands VettaFi's index offerings, including fundamentally weighted products from Invesco an...
Humanoid Global Holdings Corp. has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore-based Stellar Bridge Group to form a strategic partnership focused on humanoid robotics and embodied AI investment opportunities in Asia. This collabor...
