AI² Robotics: $145M Funding to Advance AlphaBot & Embodied AI

Shenzhen-based AI2 Robotics has secured CN¥1.2 billion (approximately $144.7 million USD) in a Series B funding round, the company announced this week. The investment will be used to accelerate development of its embodied artificial intelligence and advance its AlphaBot series toward general-purpose humanoid robots.

Founded in 2023 by Dr. Yangdong Eric Guo, AI2 Robotics distinguishes itself from other AI developers by integrating proprietary foundation models with both machine learning and robust hardware, creating a fully integrated system. The company’s AlphaBot robots, currently wheeled humanoid models, are already being utilized in a range of industries including retail, public service, biotechnology, and the automotive and semiconductor manufacturing sectors, according to the company.

AI2 Robotics is developing the Global and Omni-body vision-language-action (GOVLA) model, designed for “full-space understanding, whole-body coordination, and complex task reasoning.” The company’s approach, described as “data closed-loop + scenario compounding,” is intended to provide a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving field of embodied AI.

The Series B round included investment from a diverse group of industrial players, including internet giant Baidu, state-owned high-speed train manufacturer CRRC, fintech service provider Yusys Technologies, tire maker Sentury Tire, and leading brokerage Guotai Haitong Securities. Baidu’s investment is expected to bolster AI2 Robotics’ AI capabilities, although CRRC will contribute expertise in testing and manufacturing, according to reports from Yicai Global.

AI2 Robotics plans to significantly increase production of its AlphaBot series, scaling from 1,000 units annually in 2025 to 10,000 units this year. Display maker HKC has already placed an order for 1,000 robots. CEO Eric Guo has indicated the company is aiming for a public listing within one to two years, according to Reuters.

Pandaily reported that AI2 Robotics positions itself as a vertically integrated developer, manufacturer, and service provider, focusing on productivity-oriented robots rather than those designed for entertainment or performance. Yusys Technologies and Sentury Tire are reportedly focused on identifying and deploying commercial applications for the robots.

The funding round values AI2 Robotics at RMB10 billion (approximately $1.4 billion USD).