Artificial intelligence is already powering search engines, medical diagnostics, logistics, financial tools and many other parts of the global economy. For investors, AI ETFs offer a way to invest in companies connected to artificial intelligence without having to pick individual AI stocks.
This guide looks at five of the top AI ETFs on InvestEngine in 2026, based on the most held AI ETFs on the platform. It explains what AI ETFs are, how they work, what each ETF gives investors exposure to and the main risks to consider.
Capital at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This article is for general information only and is not personal advice.
Top AI ETFs for UK investors: quick answer
Here are five of the top AI ETFs on InvestEngine.*
| AI ETF | Ticker | Suitable for investors looking for |
|---|---|---|
| VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF | SMGB | Exposure to semiconductor companies supporting AI infrastructure |
| ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF | ARCI | An actively managed AI, robotics and automation strategy |
| WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF | INTL | AI exposure across enablers, enhancers and end users |
| iShares Automation and Robotics ETF | RBTX | Exposure to robotics, automation and related technologies |
| L&G Artificial Intelligence ETF | AIAG | Broad exposure to companies developing or enabling AI |
- This list of “Top ETFs” is based on the most held AI ETFs on InvestEngine’s platform. Top ETFs have been calculated by most bought, by number of clients, between August 2025 and August 2026.
What is an AI ETF?
An AI ETF is an investment fund that holds a basket of shares linked to artificial intelligence.
These funds usually include companies that are:
- Developing AI technologies such as machine learning, robotics and natural language processing
- Using AI to improve their products, services or operations
- Building the hardware, chips, cloud infrastructure or data tools that make AI possible
- Applying AI across industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing and logistics
Because an AI ETF holds many companies in one fund, it can offer broader exposure than buying a single AI-related stock.
Why invest in AI through ETFs?
Investing directly in individual AI companies can be challenging. The sector moves quickly, competition is intense, and it can be difficult to know which companies will thrive over the long term.
AI ETFs can make this easier by giving investors exposure to a range of companies involved in artificial intelligence through one investment.
AI ETFs can help investors:
- Spread exposure across multiple companies
- Access different parts of the AI value chain
- Reduce reliance on one individual stock
- Invest in a long-term technology theme
- Avoid constantly researching and rebalancing individual holdings
This does not remove investment risk. AI ETFs can still fall in value, and thematic ETFs can be more concentrated than broader global funds.
How to choose an AI ETF
The right AI ETF depends on what kind of exposure you want, how much risk you are comfortable taking and how the fund fits with the rest of your portfolio.
| For investors seeking… | They might consider… | Example ETFs |
|---|---|---|
| Broad AI exposure | AI-focused ETFs tracking a specialist AI index | AIAG, INTL |
| AI infrastructure exposure | Semiconductor ETFs | SMGB |
| Automation and robotics exposure | Robotics and automation ETFs | RBTX |
| Higher-conviction active management | Actively managed AI and robotics ETFs | ARCI |
| Lower ongoing charges | Passive ETFs with lower OCFs | SMGB, INTL, RBTX |
| Broader geographic exposure | Funds with allocations outside North America | RBTX, AIAG, INTL |
This table is not a recommendation. It simply shows how different AI ETFs can play different roles in a portfolio.
The 5 top AI ETFs to consider in 2026
With dozens of AI-themed ETFs now available, it can be hard to separate broad exposure from hype.
This shortlist highlights five popular AI ETFs on InvestEngine, each taking a slightly different approach. Some focus directly on AI software and data, while others cover semiconductors, robotics, automation or a mix of related technologies.
1. VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMGB)
VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMGB) focuses on companies involved in the semiconductor industry.
Semiconductors are central to AI because chips help power the data centres, computing systems and devices that AI tools rely on.
Provider: VanEck
Strategy: Passive ETF focused on semiconductor companies
Why investors might consider it
- Gives exposure to companies supporting AI infrastructure
- Focuses on a sector that plays a critical role in the wider technology landscape
- Has one of the lower ongoing charges among the AI-related ETFs covered here
| Key detail | SMGB |
|---|---|
| Launched | December 2020 |
| Fund size | £6.6 billion |
| Ongoing charges | 0.35% |
| Dividend type | Accumulating |
| Region focus | ~70% North America, global |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
Useful for: investors who want exposure to semiconductor companies linked to AI infrastructure.
2. ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF (ARCI)
ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF (ARCI) is an actively managed ETF investing globally in companies involved in AI, robotics, automation and autonomous technology.
Unlike passive ETFs that track an index, ARCI is built using ARK’s internal research.
Provider: ARK Invest
Strategy: Actively managed AI and robotics ETF
Why investors might consider it
- Focuses on high-growth companies involved in AI and automation
- Uses an active management approach rather than tracking a fixed index
- Offers a more dynamic strategy than typical index-tracking ETFs
- Physically replicated and ESG-screened
| Key detail | ARCI |
|---|---|
| Launched | April 2024 |
| Fund size | £251 million |
| Ongoing charges | 0.75% |
| Dividend type | Accumulating |
| Region focus | ~68% North America, global |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
Useful for: investors who want a higher-conviction active strategy in AI, robotics and automation.
3. WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (INTL)
WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (INTL) is a passive ETF tracking the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence Index. It covers companies across the AI value chain, including enablers, enhancers and end users.
Provider: WisdomTree
Strategy: Passive ETF tracking a Nasdaq AI index
Why investors might consider it
- Focuses on companies with AI-related revenue, rather than only large technology names
- Limits individual stock weightings to reduce overconcentration
- Offers global exposure, with a strong presence in US semiconductors and international AI leaders
| Key detail | INTL |
|---|---|
| Launched | December 2018 |
| Fund size | £1 billion |
| Ongoing charges | 0.40% |
| Dividend type | Accumulating |
| Region focus | ~66% North America, global |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
Useful for: investors who want rules-based AI exposure across several parts of the AI value chain.
4. iShares Automation and Robotics ETF (RBTX)
iShares Automation and Robotics ETF (RBTX) is a passive ETF tracking the STOXX Global Automation & Robotics Index. It includes companies involved in robotics, automation and related technologies across developed and emerging markets.
Provider: iShares (BlackRock)
Strategy: Passive ETF tracking a global automation and robotics index
Why investors might consider it
- Offers exposure to companies benefiting from long-term automation and robotics adoption
- Provides broad global diversification, including North America, Europe and Japan
- Covers a balanced sector mix, with exposure to industrials and technology
| Key detail | RBTX |
|---|---|
| Launched | September 2016 |
| Fund size | £4.17 billion |
| Ongoing charges | 0.40% |
| Dividend type | Accumulating |
| Region focus | ~53% North America, ~20% Europe ex-UK, ~13% Japan, global |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
Useful for: investors who want AI-adjacent exposure through automation and robotics.
5. L&G Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIAG)
L&G Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIAG) is a passive ETF tracking the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index. The index is designed to target companies with direct and meaningful exposure to AI technology.
Provider: Legal & General Investment Management
Strategy: Passive ETF tracking a specialist artificial intelligence index
Why investors might consider it
- Offers a diversified mix of companies developing or enabling AI
- Uses a specialist AI index with a transparent rules-based approach
- Includes a global spread of companies, with strong US exposure balanced by other developed markets
| Key detail | AIAG |
|---|---|
| Launched | July 2019 |
| Fund size | £1.58 billion |
| Ongoing charges | 0.49% |
| Dividend type | Accumulating |
| Region focus | ~75% US, global |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
Useful for: investors looking for broad AI exposure through a specialist index.
Comparing the top 5 AI ETFs side by side
Each ETF offers a different route into AI investing. Some take a broad approach across sectors and regions, while others focus more narrowly on semiconductors, robotics or active management.
| ETF name | Ticker | Strategy | OCF | Dividend type | Launched | Region focus | Fund size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VanEck Vectors Semiconductor | SMGB | Passive | 0.35% | Accumulating | Dec 2020 | ~70% US, global | £6.6bn |
| ARK AI & Robotics UCITS ETF | ARCI / ARKI | Active | 0.75% | Accumulating | Apr 2024 | ~68% US, global | £251m |
| WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence ETF | INTL | Passive | 0.40% | Accumulating | Dec 2018 | ~66% US, global | £1bn |
| iShares Automation and Robotics | RBTX | Passive | 0.40% | Accumulating | Sep 2016 | ~53% North America, ~20% Europe ex-UK, ~13% Japan, global | £4.17bn |
| L&G Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF | AIAG | Passive | 0.49% | Accumulating | Jul 2019 | ~75% US, global | £1.57bn |
Source: Bloomberg. Correct as of 13/08/26.
More AI and technology ETFs to consider
The top 5 list covers some of the most popular AI-focused ETFs on InvestEngine, but there are other funds that may suit different goals, especially for investors who want to broaden their exposure beyond pure AI or robotics.
Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG Filtered ETF (SEMG)
Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG Filtered ETF (SEMG) offers semiconductor exposure with an ESG tilt.
It may suit investors looking for exposure to semiconductor companies while also considering sustainability screens.
iShares MSCI Global Semiconductors ETF (SEMI)
iShares MSCI Global Semiconductors ETF (SEMI) takes a broader global view, combining US chip companies with major names from Taiwan, South Korea and Europe.
Risks of investing in AI ETFs
AI ETFs can offer exposure to an exciting long-term theme, but they also come with risks.
Key risks to consider
- Volatility: AI-related shares can rise and fall quickly as investor sentiment changes.
- Thematic concentration: AI ETFs may be less diversified than broad global equity ETFs.
- Early-stage companies: Some companies linked to AI are still developing and may take time to become profitable.
- Technology-sector exposure: Many AI ETFs are heavily exposed to technology companies.
- Valuation risk: Popular AI companies can trade at high valuations, which may increase downside risk.
- Loose definitions: Not every company in an AI ETF will be deeply involved in AI.
- Large-company concentration: Some funds may be heavily influenced by a small number of large technology companies.
As always, make sure any investment fits your own goals, timeline and comfort with risk.
How to choose the right AI ETF for you
Not all AI ETFs are built the same. Some prioritise growth, others focus on cost, diversification or a specific part of the AI value chain.
Before investing, it can help to look at five areas.
1. Define your objective
Are you investing for long-term growth, thematic exposure or portfolio diversification?
- If you want higher-conviction exposure, you may look at actively managed options such as ARK’s AI & Robotics ETF.
- If you want rules-based exposure, you may look at passive index-tracking ETFs such as WisdomTree INTL or VanEck Semiconductor SMGB.
2. Look at regional exposure
Some AI ETFs are heavily weighted towards US companies, while others offer a more global balance.
- If your portfolio already leans towards the US, a fund with broader international exposure may help improve diversification.
- For example, the iShares Automation and Robotics ETF includes allocations to Japan and Europe alongside North America.
3. Understand the ETF’s focus
AI ETFs vary in what they target. Some focus on companies developing AI technology, others on companies applying AI in their operations, while others include related themes such as robotics, automation and semiconductors.
Reviewing the index, strategy and top holdings can help you understand whether the fund matches the exposure you expect.
4. Compare ongoing charges
Even small differences in charges can affect returns over time.
- Passive ETFs typically have lower ongoing charges.
- Actively managed funds often cost more, but may offer a more selective strategy.
5. Choose between active and passive
Passive funds track an index and are often simpler and cheaper. Active funds are more flexible but come with higher costs and greater reliance on the manager’s decisions.
- Passive ETFs may suit investors looking for rules-based exposure.
- Active ETFs may suit investors who want a more selective, research-driven approach.
How to buy AI ETFs with InvestEngine
InvestEngine is a UK-based ETF investing platform, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, built for long-term investors who want to create DIY ETF portfolios.
With InvestEngine, you can buy and sell AI ETFs with 0% dealing fees and 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios. ETF costs apply.
You can invest through:
- A Stocks and Shares ISA
- A Self-Invested Personal Pension
- A General Investment Account
- A Business Investment Account
How it works
- Create an InvestEngine account
- Choose your account type — ISA, SIPP, GIA or Business Account
- Search for the AI ETF you want
- Choose how much to invest
- Set up a one-off investment or a regular Savings Plan
Why use InvestEngine?
✅ 0% dealing fees and 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios
Buy and sell AI ETFs with 0% dealing fees and 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios. ETF costs apply.
✅ Wide ETF choice
Access the AI ETFs covered in this article, plus a wide range of other ETFs across markets, sectors and themes.
✅ Regular investing
Set up a Savings Plan to invest regularly. Just choose how often and how much you want to invest.
✅ Your choice of account
Invest through an ISA, SIPP, GIA or Business Account.
Start investing in AI ETFs with InvestEngine
Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
FAQs about AI ETFs
What are the top AI ETFs for UK investors?
The right AI ETF depends on your goals, risk appetite and investment timeframe. Popular AI ETFs on InvestEngine include VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMGB), ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics UCITS ETF (ARCI), WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (INTL), iShares Automation and Robotics ETF (RBTX) and L&G Artificial Intelligence ETF (AIAG).
What is an AI ETF?
An AI ETF is an exchange-traded fund that invests in a basket of companies connected to artificial intelligence. These may include companies developing AI software, building semiconductors, creating robotics technology or using AI in their products and services.
Are AI ETFs risky?
Yes, AI ETFs can be risky. They often focus on technology companies and may be more concentrated than broad global ETFs. Their value can rise and fall quickly, and investors could get back less than they put in.
Can you buy AI ETFs in a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Yes. Eligible AI ETFs can be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA. Investing through an ISA can help protect returns from UK capital gains tax and dividend tax.
Can you buy AI ETFs in a SIPP?
Yes. Eligible AI ETFs can be held in a Self-Invested Personal Pension, or SIPP. SIPPs are designed for long-term retirement investing and come with specific rules on access, tax relief and withdrawals.
Does InvestEngine charge dealing fees for AI ETFs?
InvestEngine charges 0% dealing fees for buying and selling ETFs. DIY portfolios also have 0% platform fees. ETF costs apply.
Are AI ETFs suitable for beginners?
AI ETFs may be suitable for some beginners, but only if they understand the risks. They can provide diversified exposure to an investment theme, but they can still fall in value and may be more volatile than broader ETFs.
In summary
AI ETFs give UK investors a way to invest in companies connected to artificial intelligence without having to pick individual AI stocks.
Some of the top AI ETFs on InvestEngine include SMGB for semiconductor exposure, ARCI for an actively managed AI and robotics strategy, INTL for exposure across the AI value chain, RBTX for automation and robotics, and AIAG for broad AI exposure.
With InvestEngine, you can invest in AI ETFs through an ISA, SIPP, GIA or Business Account, with 0% dealing fees and 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios. ETF costs apply.
AI may be a powerful long-term theme, but AI ETFs can still be volatile and concentrated. Before investing, make sure the ETF fits your goals, risk appetite and wider portfolio.
Capital at risk. The value of your investments with InvestEngine can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
ETF costs apply. This communication is for general information only and does not constitute personal advice.
Tax treatment depends on your personal circumstances and may change in future.