IRBO vs. ROBO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IRBO (iShares Future AI & Tech ETF) and ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF) are both Robotics funds - IRBO tracks the Morningstar Global Artificial Intelligence Select Index while ROBO tracks the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IRBO returned 13.47%/yr vs 6.41%/yr for ROBO. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IRBO charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for ROBO.

Performance

IRBO vs. ROBO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (IRBO) and ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IRBO achieves a 64.94% return, which is significantly higher than ROBO's 25.02% return.

IRBO

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 15.54%
• YTD: 64.94%
• 6M: 64.94%
• 1Y: 106.73%
• 3Y*: 35.95%
• 5Y*: 13.47%
• 10Y*: —

ROBO

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 25.02%
• 6M: 24.43%
• 1Y: 54.66%
• 3Y*: 15.63%
• 5Y*: 6.41%
• 10Y*: 13.65%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IRBO vs. ROBO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IRBO iShares Future AI & Tech ETF	64.94%	29.97%	8.02%	36.37%	-37.89%	6.32%	48.85%	34.47%	-13.76%
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	25.02%	23.71%	-1.28%	23.74%	-33.92%	15.34%	45.26%	29.51%	-17.82%

Correlation

The correlation between IRBO and ROBO is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2018	0.89

The correlation between IRBO and ROBO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

IRBO vs. ROBO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IRBO	ROBO
Technology	83.8%	43.6%
Communication Services	5.5%	1.4%
Industrials	4.7%	45.3%
Utilities	3.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	3.1%
Real Estate	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.3%
Healthcare	0.0%	4.6%
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

IRBO vs. ROBO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IRBO

IRBO Risk / Return Rank: 88
IRBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
IRBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
IRBO Omega Ratio Rank: 83
IRBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IRBO Martin Ratio Rank: 89

ROBO

ROBO Risk / Return Rank: 67
ROBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
ROBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ROBO Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ROBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
ROBO Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IRBO vs. ROBO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (IRBO) and ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IRBO	ROBO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.20	2.23	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	2.89	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.37	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.71	3.17	+2.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.73	11.92	+6.81

IRBO vs. ROBO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRBO Sharpe Ratio is 3.20, which is higher than the ROBO Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRBO and ROBO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IRBO vs. ROBO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRBO drawdown since its inception was -54.50%, which is greater than ROBO's maximum drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRBO and ROBO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRBO	ROBO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.50%	-43.65%	-10.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.81%	-17.35%	-1.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.44%	-27.92%	-4.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.53%	-43.65%	-6.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-4.08%	+2.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.77%	-12.91%	-6.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.72%	4.60%	+1.12%

Volatility

IRBO vs. ROBO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (IRBO) has a higher volatility of 17.99% compared to ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) at 10.76%. This indicates that IRBO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ROBO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IRBO	ROBO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.99%	10.76%	+7.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.22%	19.98%	+9.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.64%	24.69%	+8.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.43%	23.98%	+5.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.21%	23.32%	+4.89%

IRBO vs. ROBO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IRBO has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than ROBO's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

IRBO vs. ROBO - Dividend Comparison

IRBO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than ROBO's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRBO iShares Future AI & Tech ETF	0.05%	0.00%	0.50%	0.88%	0.75%	2.41%	0.53%	0.69%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	0.34%	0.42%	0.55%	0.05%	0.00%	0.18%	0.20%	0.37%	0.37%	0.02%	0.19%	0.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IRBO and ROBO in my portfolio?

IRBO and ROBO have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IRBO or ROBO?

IRBO has higher volatility (17.99%) compared to ROBO (10.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRBO dropped -54.50% vs ROBO's -43.65%.

Which ETF is better, IRBO or ROBO?

On 5-year performance, IRBO leads with 13.47% vs 6.41% for ROBO. On fees, IRBO is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, ROBO has been the lower-risk option at 10.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IRBO or ROBO?

Over the 5-year period, IRBO has performed better with a 13.47% return vs 6.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IRBO or ROBO?

IRBO is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ROBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IRBO or ROBO?

ROBO has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.05% for IRBO.

What is the main difference between IRBO and ROBO?

IRBO tracks Morningstar Global Artificial Intelligence Select Index, while ROBO tracks ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IRBO and 0.95% for ROBO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IRBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 2.23), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.