The broad AI boom is giving way to targeted applications in warehouse robotics, cybersecurity and domain-specific models, creating opportunities for funds like the ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC), according to Gartner’s latest technology forecast.
Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2026 report shows enterprises moving away from general-purpose AI tools toward specialized applications in three key areas: robotics, security and industry-specific AI models. DTEC holds exposure across all three through its equal-weight structure spanning 10 technology themes, according to the fund’s fact sheet.
The warehouse automation trend offers a concrete example. Gartner predicts 80% of warehouses will deploy robotics or automation by 2028, according to the report. DTEC allocates 10.6% of its portfolio to robotics and artificial intelligence, with an additional 9.8% in Internet of Things technology.
The fund divides 100 stocks equally among its 10 themes, ensuring no single technology dominates the portfolio. Year-to-date performance stands at 6.7%, according to ETF Database. DTEC launched in December 2017 and charges a 0.50% expense ratio.
Security represents another growth area. The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF’s cybersecurity theme makes up 10.2% of the portfolio, positioning it for Gartner’s prediction that more than half of enterprises will adopt AI security platforms by 2028, according to the report. These platforms protect against emerging threats as companies deploy more AI tools across their operations.
Healthcare, Energy Round Out Themes
The fund’s healthcare innovation allocation, at 9.3% of assets, targets medical AI applications. Gartner expects 60% of enterprise AI models to focus on specific industries rather than general use cases by 2028, according to the report.
Clean energy and smart grid technology represents the largest themed allocation at 10.87%, followed by 3D printing at 10.3% and cloud computing at 10.1%, according to the fact sheet.
DTEC holds $83.2 million in assets, according to ETF Database. U.S. companies make up 66.4% of holdings, with the remainder spread across China, Israel, Japan and the Netherlands.
Top positions include Vestas Wind Systems (VWS), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), AeroVironment Inc. (AVAV), Stratasys (SSYS), and SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (SEDG), according to the fund’s fact sheet. Information technology stocks represent 48.8% of the portfolio, followed by industrials at 16.6% and financials at 15.2%.
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