For years, the conversation around robotics felt like a “someday” story for many financial advisors. However, new polling data from VettaFi reveals a massive shift in sentiment. 85% of advisors are now paying more attention to the robotics investment class in 2026 than in prior years.
This isn’t just a sudden interest in hardware. It is a recognition that artificial intelligence has finally reached the inflection point necessary to bridge the gap between cost and skill in the physical world.
While the digital economy represents roughly 20% of global GDP, the remaining 80% — the physical economy — remains largely unautomated. The U.S.’s ability to remain resilient as a global economy is tied to unlocking this sector, VettaFi head of robotics and AI research Zeno Mercer said during a recent webcast with Dr. Henrik Christensen, ROBO Global Indexes strategic advisor, Qualcomm Chancellor’s chair of robot systems, and distinguished professor of computer science at University of California, San Diego.
“Physical AI and automation is going to be a bigger part of GDP than what’s happening in just the digital realm,” Mercer said. He highlighted that this shift will improve lives through reduced shipping costs and increased energy efficiency.
The $25 Trillion AI & Robotics Opportunity
AI acts as the critical connective tissue that allows machines to move beyond repetitive tasks into autonomous decision-making. This catalyst is unlocking a $25 trillion near-term opportunity. That opportunity has a long-term potential of $100 trillion, as robots eventually begin to build other robots.
A powerful confluence of AI, embodiment, and the execution of real-world tasks currently drives significant momentum. The transition from lab demonstration to commercial deployment is already underway, evidenced by key advancements:
- Autonomous Vehicles: AI-driven navigation is now a commercial reality, exemplified by Waymo’s full-scale expansion across major U.S. cities.
- Humanoids: These are no longer confined to R&D labs. Units like Figure are actively being deployed in industrial settings. Meanwhile, production is rapidly scaling towards 100,000 units per year by 2028.
The next phase will involve a “mixture-of-robots.” These include advanced mobile robots (AMRs), specialized industrial robots, and drones working in concert, according to Mercer.
Capturing the Value Chain With THNQ
For advisors looking to capture this shift, the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) is designed specifically to target this opportunity. THNQ tracks the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index, focusing on the enablers and application providers that make “Physical AI” possible.
As of early 2026, THNQ offers diversified exposure across distinct subsectors. These include semiconductors and cloud providers that provide the high-compute power required for real-world inference. THNQ focuses on the AI catalyst. By doing so, it captures the high-margin software and silicon that will power the $100 trillion long-term opportunity.
Finally, for those looking for robotics and automation exposure, the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) offers global exposure to the fast-growing industry. ROBO tracks the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index, which represents the global value chain of robotics, automation and enabling technologies.
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vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for THNQ and ROBO, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, THNQ and ROBO are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi and its affiliates have no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of THNQ and ROBO.
