Sumit Roy
3 min read
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A second exchange-traded fund focused on humanoid robotics hit the market Thursday, highlighting growing investor interest in one of the most ambitious applications of artificial intelligence.
The Roundhill Humanoid Robotics ETF (HUMN) began trading today, coming just three weeks after the launch of the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (KOID). While Roundhill claims HUMN is the first “U.S.-listed ETF dedicated to humanoid robotics,” that distinction is debatable. KOID, which launched in early June, also targets companies developing human-like robots and related technologies.
KOID defines its focus as “artificial intelligence (AI) systems integrated into physical machines that can sense, learn, and interact with the real world.” Within that framework, humanoid robotics is a key subset, referring specifically to robots with human-like forms and capabilities, designed to operate in environments built for people, such as factories, hospitals and homes.
KOID tracks the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index and currently has around $3.2 million in assets under management. The ETF holds 51 equally weighted stocks, ranging from large-cap names like Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) and Tesla Inc. (TSLA), to smaller players such as MP Materials Corp. (MP) and Melexis NV. The fund’s holdings span the full humanoid ecosystem, including:
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The “brain” (AI software, semiconductors and compute infrastructure)
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The “body” (actuators, sensors, perception systems and key materials)
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Systems integrators and manufacturers of humanoid robots
KOID is globally diversified, with exposure to companies in the U.S., China and Japan.
In contrast, HUMN is actively managed and currently holds 30 stocks. According to its prospectus, the fund targets companies that either manufacture humanoid robots directly or supply critical enabling technologies, such as precision actuators, tactile sensors, locomotion AI stacks and power systems.
Top holdings in HUMN include:
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Tesla (12.6%), which is developing the Optimus humanoid robot
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Nvidia (8%), a major provider of AI tools and hardware for robotics
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Other key companies in China, South Korea, Japan and Sweden
Roundhill has made a name for itself by launching ETFs tied to emerging tech trends. Its Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF (METV)—one of the first funds to target the virtual reality and metaverse space—currently boasts over $300 million in assets.
KraneShares, meanwhile, is best known for its China-focused offerings. Its KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB), with $6.5 billion in AUM, has become a go-to vehicle for investors looking to gain exposure to Chinese tech giants.
