James van Geelen: Nailing Transformational Mega Themes and Spotting the Next Big Idea in Humanoid Robots

Investor James van Geelen, founder of Citrini Research, has identified the opportunity to invest in humanoid robots, which he believes will eventually perform tasks like laundry. He has a history of spotting mega themes at cyclical prices, having successfully invested in weight-loss drugs and AI. Van Geelen expects the robot theme to play out over a decade, despite regulatory hurdles.

New York, NY – June 6, 2025 – Krane Funds Advisors, LLC (KraneShares) has launched the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID), marking a significant milestone in the thematic investment landscape. This is the first US-listed thematic equity ETF to capture the global humanoid opportunity, a sector poised for exponential growth.

The ETF, KOID, seeks to capture the global humanoid and embodied intelligence ecosystem, which encompasses artificial intelligence (AI) systems integrated into physical machines that can sense, learn, and interact with the real world. Humanoid robotics, a key subset of embodied intelligence, focuses on robots with human-like forms and capabilities designed to work seamlessly in environments built for people, such as factories, hospitals, and homes.

The acceleration of humanoid robots into commercial and retail markets is driven by the need to address urgent global challenges like labor shortages, aging populations, and greater efficiency and safety across industries. According to Morgan Stanley Research [1], the global humanoid model projects there could be 1 billion humanoids and $5 trillion in annual revenue by 2050.

KraneShares Senior Investment Strategist Derek Yan, CFA, noted, "Soon, the cost of a humanoid robot could be less than a car [3]," highlighting the potential for widespread adoption. Unlike traditional robotics-focused ETFs, KOID focuses exclusively on humanoid robotics and embodied AI, positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of robotics innovation.

KOID aims to capture the full spectrum of enabling technologies that form the foundation of humanoid development, including humanoid integration & manufacturing, mechanical systems, sensing & perception, actuation systems, semiconductors & technology, and critical materials. The ETF offers global exposure to companies based primarily in the United States, China, and Japan within the information technology, industrial, and consumer discretionary sectors.

Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, "We are excited to bring the Humanoid opportunity to global investors through KOID, the latest addition to our suite of innovative global thematic ETFs [2]." KraneShares' core goal is to launch strategies like KOID to capture emerging megatrends, giving clients access to powerful growth opportunities as they accelerate.

Investor James van Geelen, founder of Citrini Research, has identified the opportunity to invest in humanoid robots, which he believes will eventually perform tasks like laundry. Van Geelen expects the robot theme to play out over a decade, despite regulatory hurdles. His history of spotting mega themes at cyclical prices, having successfully invested in weight-loss drugs and AI, adds credibility to this emerging sector.

The KOID ETF will track the MerQube Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index, designed to capture the performance of companies engaged in humanoid and embodied intelligence-related business.

For more information on the KraneShares Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF (Ticker: KOID), please visit [KraneShares KOID](https://kraneshares.com/koid) or consult your financial advisor.

References
[1] https://kraneshares.com/kraneshares-launches-first-global-humanoid-embodied-intelligence-etf-ticker-koid-on-nasdaq/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/05/3094434/0/en/KraneShares-Launches-First-Global-Humanoid-Embodied-Intelligence-ETF-Ticker-KOID-On-Nasdaq.html