ROBO vs. AI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ROBO (ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF) is Robotics fund tracking the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation TR Index, while AI (C3.ai, Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 5 years, ROBO returned 5.19%/yr vs -31.00%/yr for AI. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

ROBO vs. AI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and C3.ai, Inc. (AI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ROBO achieves a 19.46% return, which is significantly higher than AI's -28.19% return.

ROBO

• 1D: -4.44%
• 1M: -5.15%
• YTD: 19.46%
• 6M: 18.99%
• 1Y: 46.62%
• 3Y*: 13.90%
• 5Y*: 5.19%
• 10Y*: 13.13%

AI

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 4.20%
• YTD: -28.19%
• 6M: -30.96%
• 1Y: -58.65%
• 3Y*: -33.82%
• 5Y*: -31.00%
• 10Y*: —

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

ROBO vs. AI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	19.46%	23.71%	-1.28%	23.74%	-33.92%	15.34%	4.72%
AI C3.ai, Inc.	-28.19%	-60.85%	19.92%	156.57%	-64.19%	-77.48%	38.75%

Correlation

The correlation between ROBO and AI is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2020	0.59

The correlation between ROBO and AI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ROBO vs. AI — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROBO

ROBO Risk / Return Rank: 56
ROBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ROBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ROBO Omega Ratio Rank: 53
ROBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
ROBO Martin Ratio Rank: 59

AI

AI Risk / Return Rank: 11
AI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
AI Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
AI Omega Ratio Rank: 8
AI Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
AI Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

ROBO vs. AI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) and C3.ai, Inc. (AI). 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.

	ROBO	AI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	-0.90	+2.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	-1.29	+3.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	0.83	+0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	-0.80	+3.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.10	-1.11	+11.21

ROBO vs. AI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROBO Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the AI Sharpe Ratio of -0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROBO and AI, 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

ROBO vs. AI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROBO drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, smaller than the maximum AI drawdown of -95.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROBO and AI.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROBO	AI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-95.63%	+51.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.35%	-73.39%	+56.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.92%	-82.51%	+54.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.65%	-88.32%	+44.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.35%	-94.55%	+86.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.90%	-81.98%	+69.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.63%	52.90%	-48.27%

Volatility

ROBO vs. AI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is 11.64%, while C3.ai, Inc. (AI) has a volatility of 18.04%. This indicates that ROBO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROBO	AI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.64%	18.04%	-6.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.52%	48.14%	-27.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.07%	65.52%	-40.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.06%	77.67%	-53.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.31%	81.96%	-58.65%

Dividends

ROBO vs. AI - Dividend Comparison

ROBO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.35%, while AI has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AI C3.ai, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ROBO ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF	0.35%	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 ROBO and AI in my portfolio?

ROBO and AI have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROBO or AI?

AI has higher volatility (18.04%) compared to ROBO (11.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROBO dropped -43.65% vs AI's -95.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs -0.90), 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.