Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future concept. It is already reshaping how data is processed, how infrastructure is built, and how businesses operate at scale. As we move through 2026, I am interested in companies enabling AI in practical, revenue-generating ways.
With that in mind, I have identified three ASX-listed options for gaining exposure to artificial intelligence this year, each from a distinct angle.
Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)
Megaport does not build AI models, but it plays a critical role in making AI usable.
Artificial intelligence workloads are extremely data-intensive. They require fast, flexible, and reliable connections between cloud providers, data centres, and enterprise networks. That is exactly what Megaport provides through its network-as-a-service platform.
As AI adoption accelerates, data is increasingly distributed across multiple clouds and locations. Megaport allows customers to dynamically connect and scale bandwidth as needed, rather than relying on fixed and inflexible infrastructure.
The company has also been expanding beyond connectivity into compute with the acquisition of Latitude, further embedding itself in the AI infrastructure stack. For me, that makes Megaport one of the more underappreciated AI enablers on the ASX in 2026.
Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)
Goodman Group offers a different way to invest in artificial intelligence, through physical infrastructure rather than software.
The growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital services is driving significant demand for data centres. These facilities require specialised locations, power access and long-term capital, all areas where Goodman has deep expertise.
Goodman has been actively repositioning its global industrial portfolio to meet this demand, including through large-scale data centre developments backed by institutional capital. This strategy allows Goodman to benefit from the AI boom without relying on the success of any single technology platform.
For investors, Goodman offers exposure to AI-driven growth, complemented by the stability of long-life assets and long-term leases.
BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
For those who prefer diversification, the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides a straightforward way to invest in artificial intelligence and robotics worldwide.
The ETF invests in companies involved in industrial robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles, and drones. This provides exposure to a broad range of applications, rather than a single, narrow use case.
Its top holdings include some of the most influential companies in the AI and automation ecosystem, such as Nvidia, FANUC, ABB, Intuitive Surgical, Keyence, Daifuku, Pegasystems, SMC Corp, and AeroVironment.
What I like about the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is that it is sector and geography-agnostic. It focuses purely on the robotics and AI theme, which remains underrepresented on the ASX, while spreading risk across multiple companies and regions.
Why this combination works
These three investments approach artificial intelligence from different directions.
Megaport enables the movement and processing of AI data. Goodman provides the physical infrastructure that supports AI at scale. BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides diversified exposure to companies developing and deploying AI and robotics technologies globally.
Together, I believe they offer a balanced approach to investing in artificial intelligence, without relying on a single business model or outcome.
Foolish Takeaway
Artificial intelligence is a long-term trend, not a short-term trade.
In 2026, I want exposure to businesses that are already benefiting from AI adoption in tangible ways. Megaport, Goodman Group, and the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF each offer a different path to that exposure.
For investors looking to position their portfolios for the continued growth of AI, these three ASX-listed options are well worth considering this year and beyond.
The post My top 3 artificial intelligence ASX stocks to buy for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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More reading
- How to become rich with ASX shares over the next 10 years
- How to build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
- Why these ASX ETFs could be strong buys in 2026
- How I’d build a high-conviction ASX share portfolio
- The ASX 200 stocks I’d be happy to hold until retirement
Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, AeroVironment, Goodman Group, Intuitive Surgical, Megaport, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Fanuc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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