@BlackRock has launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF, trading as $RBTX on NYSE Arca. The fund is an actively managed vehicle that targets the shift of artif
@BlackRock has launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF, trading as $RBTX on NYSE Arca. The fund is an actively managed vehicle that targets the shift of artificial intelligence from software into physical machines.
According to the BlackRock press release published via Morningstar, $RBTX seeks to maximize total return by investing in companies across the robotics value chain. That includes firms that develop, support, supply, service, enable or implement the automation of physical tasks using intelligent machines.
The fund is managed by Tony Kim and Reid Menge of BlackRock's Fundamental Equities Technology Team, which oversees more than $50 billion across AI and technology strategies. It carries an expense ratio of 0.65% and uses the MSCI ACWI Net Index as its performance benchmark, according to Seeking Alpha via TradingView. That report lists Tesla, Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia among its largest holdings, and says the fund held 12.42% in cash.
Kim said in the announcement that AI is expanding beyond the digital world into the physical economy, with robotics a significant next phase of adoption. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's U.S. Head of Equity ETFs, said investors increasingly want more choice and precision in how they take part in AI's growth.
The launch follows BlackRock's existing thematic strategy, including its iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF ($BAI), which began trading in October 2024. Crypto Briefing reports that $BAI has gathered more than $14 billion in assets since then, and that $RBTX debuted with initial net assets of about $10 million.
The iShares product page lists $RBTX net assets at $10 million as of October 20, 2026, with 38 holdings. The portfolio is weighted toward information technology at 57.08% and industrials at 21.73%, with the United States making up 62.13% of exposure, followed by Japan at 14.46%.
The move also reflects broader growth in active ETFs at the firm. BlackRock said iShares has led the global industry in active ETF inflows year to date in 2026, with assets nearly doubling over the past year to approximately $200 billion. BlackRock projects global active ETF assets will triple from $1.4 trillion to $4.2 trillion by 2030.
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