I think artificial intelligence (AI) could become one of the defining investment themes of the next decade.
But I do not think investors need to treat AI as a simple race between a handful of mega-cap technology companies. The opportunity is likely to spread across many layers of the economy.
There will be companies building chips, running data centres, developing software, automating factories, improving logistics, powering robotics, and using data in ways that were not possible a few years ago.
That is why I think exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a useful way to invest in the theme.
Two ASX ETFs I would consider buying for the AI decade are named in this article.
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Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
The first ASX ETF I like is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.
I think this fund is interesting because it captures a part of AI that can be easy to overlook: the physical world.
AI is not only about chatbots, search tools, and software assistants. Over time, it could help machines become smarter, factories become more automated, warehouses become more efficient, and healthcare systems become more precise.
That is where robotics comes in.
The RBTZ ETF gives investors exposure to companies involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. I like that because many businesses will not just use AI to write emails or summarise information. They will use it to make physical processes faster, safer, and more productive.
This could include industrial robots, automation equipment, sensors, medical technology, logistics systems, and other companies connected to the robotics supply chain.
I see this as a long-term productivity theme. Labour shortages, rising wages, reshoring, supply chain resilience, and the push for efficiency could all support demand for better automation over time.
As always, there are risks to consider. Robotics and AI-related shares can trade on high expectations, and some companies in the sector may be cyclical. Factory investment can slow when economic conditions weaken.
But I like the idea of owning exposure to the companies helping AI move from screens and servers into the real economy.
Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI)
The second ASX ETF I would consider is the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF.
This fund takes a more direct approach to the AI and big data theme. It provides exposure to companies that could benefit from the development and use of artificial intelligence, as well as the infrastructure and analysis behind it.
What I like about the GXAI ETF is that AI is not a single product category.
It can involve semiconductors, cloud platforms, software, data analytics, cybersecurity, automation, and digital infrastructure. A company might benefit by supplying chips. Another might benefit by building software tools. Another might provide the data, storage, or computing layer that makes AI useful.
That makes stock picking difficult.
The winners may also change over time. Some companies that look dominant today may face tougher competition later. Others may quietly benefit as AI moves deeper into business workflows.
An ETF can help reduce the pressure to pick the perfect individual winner.
I also like that the GXAI ETF can give investors exposure outside the obvious ASX technology names. Australia has some strong tech businesses, but the AI ecosystem is global. Many of the companies driving the theme are listed overseas.
This ETF will still be volatile. If AI expectations become too stretched, share prices can fall quickly. But for investors who believe AI adoption has years to run, I think this is a cleaner way to gain exposure than chasing one hot stock.
Foolish takeaway
The AI decade may not reward investors in a straight line. There will likely be hype, disappointment, breakthroughs, and valuation resets along the way. That is normal for a major technology shift.
What I like about these two ASX ETFs is that they approach the theme from different angles. One leans into robotics and automation, while the other gives broader exposure to AI, data, and the digital businesses behind the trend.
For patient investors, I think that combination could be a useful way to participate in the AI boom without needing to know today exactly which company will be the biggest winner in 2036.
