For years, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have hovered on the edge of science fiction and future tech. But in 2024 and heading into 2025, it’s clear: the future has arrived. From self-driving cars to language-processing models and humanoid factory workers, we’re witnessing a technological transformation that’s reshaping industries, labor markets, and—most importantly for investors—portfolio strategies.
Yet, as headlines scream about skyrocketing stock prices and AI startups raising billions in funding rounds, one question echoes among retail investors: “Did I miss the boat?” The answer is not as straightforward as a yes or no.
Let’s explore where AI and robotics stand today, where they’re headed, and how you can still position yourself smartly—even if you haven’t invested yet.
Dalla fantascienza al mercato azionario: Il boom dell'IA in cifre
AI is no longer experimental. In 2023, global private investment in AI reached $ 91.9 billion, up from $ 79.6 billion in 2022 (according to Stanford’s AI Index Report 2024). Meanwhile, public equity markets reflected that excitement. NVIDIA, one of the key players in the AI hardware space, saw its stock price rise over 220% between January 2023 and December 2024, primarily fueled by demand for GPUs that power large language models and deep learning algorithms.
But it’s not just about NVIDIA or the big names. The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), which offers exposure to a diversified basket of companies in the sector, delivered a return of over 30% in 2024. And with McKinsey estimating that AI could contribute $ 13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, long-term potential still abounds.
Perché potrebbe non essere troppo tardi
When a sector experiences rapid growth, early investors often reap the largest returns—but that doesn’t mean it’s too late. Investing in AI in 2025 is comparable to investing in the internet in the early 2000s. While some gains have already occurred, the underlying infrastructure and real-world applications are still being developed.
La catena del valore dell'IA e della robotica non si limita a strumenti appariscenti rivolti ai consumatori. Pensiamo ai fornitori di cloud computing, ai produttori di semiconduttori, ai leader dell'automazione industriale e agli sviluppatori di software specializzati in modelli di apprendimento automatico. Molti di questi attori sono ancora in fase di scalata e alcuni sono appena stati quotati in borsa.
Moreover, adoption is still uneven. Sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and logistics are only beginning to integrate AI and robotics on a wide scale. According to a Deloitte report from early 2025, less than 20% of companies in traditional industries report using AI in a transformative way—suggesting room for growth and investment opportunities.
Dove guardare: Azioni, ETF e altro
Per gli investitori al dettaglio che desiderano entrare nel mercato, esistono diverse strade. È possibile adottare un approccio diretto investendo in società leader a grande capitalizzazione come NVIDIA, AMD o Alphabet, che investono pesantemente nell'IA. In alternativa, ETF tecnologici più ampi come BOTZ, ROBO o ARKQ offrono un'esposizione diversificata.
Coloro che sono alla ricerca di strumenti ancora più precoci potrebbero esplorare piattaforme di crowdfunding in stile venture capital o ETF tematici incentrati su nicchie specifiche, come l'IA nel settore sanitario o la robotica industriale. Attenzione, però: più si va di nicchia, più il rischio è alto.
Anche lo spazio delle obbligazioni societarie sta vedendo l'interesse per l'IA, con le aziende tecnologiche che emettono debito per finanziare la R&S nelle tecnologie dell'IA. Alcune obbligazioni verdi o legate alla sostenibilità legano addirittura i rendimenti a obiettivi di efficienza misurabili guidati dall'IA.
Rischi e realismo
Of course, investing in AI and robotics isn’t risk-free. Valuations are elevated, and some companies are being priced for perfection. There’s also geopolitical tension around AI regulation, particularly between the U.S., China, and the EU, which could slow innovation or impact global supply chains.
There’s also the risk of hype outpacing reality. As with the dot-com bubble, some AI companies could burn through capital without delivering sustainable value. That’s why focusing on fundamentals—profitability, adoption rates, and technological moat—is key.
The Future Is Being Coded—You Can Still Participate
For the DIY investor, AI and robotics represent a sector with immense long-term potential, but one that demands selective and informed investing. You don’t need to go “all in,” nor do you need to regret missing early gains. The reality is, we are still in the early chapters of a decades-long shift.
Rather than asking whether it’s too late, the better question is: what role should this revolution play in your overall portfolio? With a balanced approach, diversified tools, and a long-term mindset, you can still be part of the story—and potentially benefit from a trend that’s shaping the very structure of the global economy.
So no, it’s not too late. It might just be the beginning.
