Chinese humanoid robot startup AgiBot eyes global market

AgiBot, China's highest-valued embodied intelligence startup with a valuation of 15 billion yuan ($2.1 billion), and operator of Shanghai's first dedicated mass-production facility for humanoid robots, is stepping up its push to explore overseas markets

Yao Maoqing, a partner of AgiBot and president of its embodied intelligence business unit, said the company is actively establishing a presence across key global regions.

"We are now deploying strategically in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia," Yao said, "Our strategy relies on localization through deep partnerships with local players, enabling us to achieve genuine globalization."

Yao revealed that AgiBot has commenced product deliveries to overseas customers in the current year. He drew a parallel with historical industry trends, noting: "We've consistently observed across numerous sectors that products which successfully emerge from China's intensely competitive domestic environment often achieve rapid expansion internationally. This proven dynamic is a key strategic focus area for Agibot."

However, Yao candidly addressed the distinct challenges Agibot faces in commercializing its robots overseas compared to the Chinese market. He said European and North American markets appear initially less captivated by novel interactive applications.

"Instead, the primary focus falls squarely on industrial and practical use cases. Potential customers rigorously examine whether the technology possesses genuine deployment readiness, demonstrable return on investment, and clear pathways to cost reduction and efficiency gains," Yao said

Drawing upon his prior experience at companies like electric vehicle maker Nio, Yao expressed measured optimism regarding the timeline for robots to significantly impact factory operations. "We hold a relatively optimistic outlook," he said. "AgiBot secured contracts for deploying our robots in flexible manufacturing scenarios during the first half. We anticipate more tangible case studies demonstrating practical value emerging within approximately the next year."

He said AgiBot systems have already achieved sequences of 10,000 consecutive operations with zero errors, nearing human-level reliability in controlled environments.

Yao also disclosed features for the next generation product. "Our upcoming models will support hot-swapping batteries without requiring system shutdown and incorporate autonomous recharging capabilities – functioning much like advanced home robot vacuums – to ensure continuous uptime."

A major validation of AgiBot's technology and strategy came in early July with the announcement of a substantial 78 million yuan order from telecommunications giant China Mobile.