The future of robotics is stepping out of science fiction and onto Wall Street. On June 26, Roundhill Investments unveiled the Humanoid Robotics ETF (HUMN), the first U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund dedicated exclusively to companies shaping the future of humanoid robotics. 

Humanoid robots, as defined by the fund, are machines designed to mimic human bodies and perform human tasks, blending advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and physical agility to operate in dynamic environments. With industry leaders like Tesla (TSLA) and Nvidia (NVDA) at the heart of its strategy, HUMN puts you right at the center of the action.

The timing couldn’t be more electric as projections show the global humanoid robot market is set to reach nearly $114 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of more than 40%. This rapid expansion is expected to be driven by increasing demand in healthcare and industrial automation, as labor shortages and aging populations accelerate adoption. 

In just the first quarter of 2025, over $2.26 billion has been invested globally in robotics startups, with a significant share flowing into AI-powered and humanoid robotics platforms. The world stands on the edge of a robotics revolution, and HUMN serves as a direct gateway for you to buy these humanoid robotics stocks. 

Overview of the Roundhill Humanoid Robotics ETF

Roundhill Investments is the fund family behind the Roundhill Humanoid Robotics ETF (HUMN), which launched on June 26 and trades on the Cboe BZX. This is the first U.S.-listed ETF dedicated specifically to the humanoid robotics industry, and it’s actively managed rather than tracking a standard index. 

HUMN’s strategy is centered on the active selection of companies involved in the research, development, or commercialization of humanoid robotics. The fund’s managers look for firms pushing the boundaries in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and mechanical dexterity, targeting real-world applications in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and consumer services. 

With an expense ratio of 0.75%, or $75 on an initial $10,000 investment, and assets under management of $2.75 million, HUMN is still finding its footing, but its portfolio already features a compelling mix of global leaders and innovators. 

The fund holds 30 positions, with top weights allocated to Tesla (TSLA) (12.21%), Nvidia (NVDA) (8.35%), UBTech Robotics (7.49%), Shenzhen Dobot (5.96%), Xiaomi (XIACY) (5.54%), XPeng (XPEV) (5.21%), Hyundai (HYMTF) (4.74%), Harmonic Drive Systems (3.88%), Rainbow Robotics (3.81%), and Hexagon AB (3.65%). 

This allocation balances companies building complete humanoid systems with those supplying the critical enabling technologies, such as Nvidia’s AI processing and Harmonic Drive’s precision gear systems.

Key Forces Behind Humanoid Robotics Growth

At the forefront, Tesla is committed to investing $10 billion in autonomous technology and aims to produce 5,000 Optimus humanoid robots in 2025 alone, with CEO Elon Musk’s vision that Optimus could become “the biggest product of all time by far.” This momentum is already translating into real-world impact, as robots equipped with advanced AI, sensors, and dexterity begin to take on tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare — roles once reserved for human workers.

Joining Tesla in shaping this landscape, Nvidia is rolling out its Isaac GR00T foundation model, a comprehensive three-computer solution designed to tackle the toughest engineering challenges in humanoid robotics: perception, dexterity, mobility, and whole-body control. The company is positioning itself at the center of a new ecosystem, providing the brains and tools that enable robots to operate in complex environments.

Goldman Sachs now projects the humanoid robot addressable market could reach $38 billion by 2035, with global shipments expected to hit 1.4 million units. This marks a significant leap from earlier, more conservative estimates, and reflects the industry’s accelerating pace of innovation and commercialization. 

Looking even further ahead, Morgan Stanley forecasts the humanoid robotics market could surpass $5 trillion by 2050, factoring in not just robot sales but also the vast networks for repair, maintenance, and support. The firm suggests adoption will likely accelerate in the late 2030s as technology matures and regulatory and societal support grows. Although humanoids are still in the development phase, forecasts indicate there could be more than 1 billion units in use by 2050, with about 90% deployed for industrial and commercial purposes.

Conclusion

So, is the HUMN ETF a smart buy right now? With the fund just launching, it’s still early days, but the momentum behind humanoid robotics is undeniable. 

Major players like Tesla and Nvidia are pushing the technology forward, and analysts see a bright long-term future for the industry. 

That said, this is a young industry with plenty of unknowns, so shares could move in either direction as the market gets a feel for what’s possible. For anyone interested in the space, starting with a small position and keeping an eye on developments is a solid approach, since the real growth story likely unfolds over years, not months.