The pace of robot adoption in industry is accelerating. Last month, CJ Logistics became the first company in Korea’s logistics sector to conduct on-site testing of an artificial intelligence (AI) humanoid robot. (Photo provided by CJ Logistics)
SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Asset Management said Tuesday that its KODEX Robot Active exchange-traded fund (ETF) has surpassed 200 billion won ($145 million) in net assets, underscoring surging investor enthusiasm for the nation’s robotics sector amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
As of October 14, the fund’s net asset value stood at 216.6 billion won, with a year-to-date return of 72.1 percent — one of the strongest performances among domestic thematic ETFs.
Samsung attributed the growth to accelerating innovation in humanoid robotics and mounting optimism over their commercial adoption. The actively managed ETF invests in leading Korean robotics firms such as Robotis, Rainbow Robotics, and Doosan Robotics, as well as major tech groups including Samsung Electronics, Naver, and Kakao that are expanding into robotics development.
Unlike passive index funds, the KODEX Robot Active ETF employs an active investment strategy that allows portfolio managers to adjust holdings dynamically in pursuit of higher returns.
A Samsung Asset Management official noted that momentum from government policy has further boosted sentiment. “The launch of the K-Humanoid Alliance in April under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which now includes around 160 participating companies, has strengthened Korea’s robotics ecosystem and provided a strong tailwind for the sector,” the company said.
Analysts say the ETF’s surge reflects both growing investor appetite for AI-linked industries and a broader belief that robotics will play a central role in Korea’s next wave of industrial transformation.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
