Company Interview / Investing in the robot age

Key points:

First humanoid robotics ETF in Australia (ASX:HMND) targeting full humanoid value chain Features global names including Yujin Robotics and Hirata Positioned as an AI‑driven, multi‑decade structural growth theme Focus on services sectors, healthcare and ageing populations as key demand drivers

Australian investors are being offered what Billy Leung from Global X views as a new gateway into one of the fastest‑growing technology themes with the launch of the Global X Global Humanoid ETF (ASX:HMND). Leung states the fund targets the full value chain of humanoid robotics, which he defines as robots with human‑like dexterity, movement, vision, listening and comprehension, distinct from traditional fixed factory robots.

Leung highlights companies such as Korea’s Yujin Robotics, which he says produces semi‑humanoid robots used in warehouses and food delivery for groups including Siemens, and Japan’s Hirata, which he describes as shifting from traditional automation into humanoid applications. The index tracked by (ASX:HMD) holds around 30 global names across Korea, Japan, China and the US, including giants such as Nvidia and Tesla, which Leung considers central to humanoid development.

Leung links the strategy to a broader artificial intelligence theme, arguing humanoid robotics would not be possible without AI advances. He sees the major growth opportunity in services sectors such as healthcare, aged care and broader non‑manufacturing industries facing labour shortages, and suggests consumer use cases like household robots could emerge sooner than many expect.