“Expanding into the realm of futuristic robotics, a prominent corporate entity makes its foray into uncharted territory. Originating from the bustling city of Beijing, Ant Group, an influential fintech powerhouse with ties to Alibaba, ventures into the humanoid robot industry. This move aligns with a trend observed among several major Chinese tech giants exploring the burgeoning field of humanoid robots, designed to mirror human form and motion.
Under the umbrella of Shanghai Ant Lingbo Technology, a subsidiary established towards the close of 2024 with a substantial registered capital of 100 million yuan ($13.73 million), the company has announced the availability of roles pertaining to humanoid robot systems and applications. This development was disclosed in a report by local media and subsequently confirmed by a spokesperson representing Ant Group.
The allure of humanoid robots as a lucrative investment opportunity has not gone unnoticed in China, attracting considerable attention from both corporate behemoths and nimble startups spanning diverse sectors such as technology, electric vehicles, and manufacturing. Recognizing the potential of humanoid robots as a ‘new productive force,’ the Chinese government aims to leverage this technology to propel economic growth and vie with the United States for supremacy in technological innovation.
Among the notable players in the Chinese humanoid robot landscape are companies like UBTech and Unitree, the latter garnering acclaim for its robots’ remarkable capabilities including walking, climbing, and heavy-load carrying. Noteworthy is the founder of Unitree being accorded a prominent position during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the growing interest in this burgeoning sector.
In addition to dedicated players in the field, other tech giants like Meituan and Xiaomi have also delved into research and development of robotics. Xiaomi, in particular, made its foray into humanoid robotics as early as 2022 with the introduction of its first full-size humanoid bionic robot, CyberOne. Meanwhile, companies like Tencent have entered the domain through strategic investments and partnerships, exemplified by its 2018 investment of 50 million yuan in Leju Robot, a startup based in Shenzhen.
With the Chinese market abuzz with activity in the realm of humanoid robotics, the future holds promise for innovative advancements and strategic collaborations driving this exciting sector forward. (1 USD = 7.2848 Chinese yuan renminbi) – Reporting contributed by Liam Mo and Brenda Goh”
