3 easy ways to invest in AI with ASX ETFs

Here are three easy ways for Aussie investors to gain exposure to the artificial intelligence megatrend.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already being embedded across software, hardware, manufacturing, healthcare, and digital services.

For investors, the challenge is not whether AI will matter, but how to gain exposure without trying to pick the single company that gets everything right.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple way to invest in AI themes while spreading risk across dozens of businesses.

Here are three easy ways to invest in AI using ASX ETFs.

An elderly woman confides her psychological distress to her robotic assistant.

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

The most direct way to invest in AI on the ASX is through the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF focuses on companies developing the core technologies behind artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. Rather than concentrating on consumer-facing apps, this fund leans toward the infrastructure that enables AI to function at scale.

Holdings include businesses such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), which designs the chips powering AI data centres, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), which applies robotics and AI to healthcare procedures, and Keyence, a leader in industrial automation and sensors.

The appeal of the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is that it captures AI adoption across multiple industries, from factories to hospitals, rather than relying on a single use case. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another way to gain AI exposure is through the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

While this is not an AI-specific ETF, many of the world's biggest investors in artificial intelligence sit within the Nasdaq 100 Index. These companies are spending billions on AI research, infrastructure, and integration into existing platforms.

Holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), which is embedding AI across its cloud and productivity software, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), which uses AI to power search, advertising, and autonomous systems, and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), which is investing heavily in AI-driven recommendation engines.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to AI as part of broader digital ecosystems, capturing companies that are likely to monetise AI at scale over time.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

A final way to invest in AI is through the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF, which offers exposure to leading technology companies across the Asian region.

Asia plays a critical role in both AI development and deployment, spanning semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and consumer-facing platforms. The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF includes companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), which manufactures advanced chips used in AI applications, and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

Baidu is often described as China's AI leader. It has developed large language models, autonomous driving technology, and AI-powered search and cloud services, positioning it as a key beneficiary of AI adoption within China's domestic market.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Baidu, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intuitive Surgical, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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