Former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ Launches Humanoid Robots to Challenge Tesla’s Optimus
Agibot, founded by former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ recruit Peng Zhihui, unveils humanoid robots to challenge Tesla’s Optimus. Backed by venture capital firm HongShan, Agibot introduces advanced biped robots equipped with AI technology for diverse applications. Agibot aims to ship 300 units by the end of the year and competes directly with Tesla’s humanoid robots, emphasising superior commercialisation capabilities.
Peng, 31 years old, announced significant advancements in product development, positioning Agibot at the forefront of the industry during the online launch event.
Venture capital firm HongShan is backing Agibot, which unveiled five models of wheeled and biped humanoid robots designed for various applications, from household chores to industrial tasks. The flagship Yuanzheng A2 biped humanoid robot, standing at 175 centimetres and weighing 55 kilograms, is equipped with sensors and AI technology enabling it to perceive and comprehend text, audio, and visual data, performing intricate tasks like threading a needle.
Agibot plans to commence robot shipments in October, with an initial target of 300 units by year-end, as stated by company executive Jiang Qingsong in a report by The Paper. Jiang expressed Agibot’s intention to directly compete with Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots, emphasising their superior commercialisation and cost-control capabilities.
The rivalry between Agibot and Tesla underscores the escalating competition in humanoid robotics, reflecting the technological race between the world’s largest economies. The market for humanoid robots in China is forecasted to exceed 20 billion yuan by 2026, a substantial increase from the estimated 3.9 billion yuan market in 2023, according to a report by the China Centre for Information Industry Development.
Agibot has garnered investments from prominent entities like Hillhouse Investment, BYD, and Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group), capitalising on Peng’s entrepreneurial background. Peng, a graduate of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, previously founded start-ups focusing on 3D printers and biped robots before joining Huawei in 2020. His departure from Huawei in 2022 to pursue his passion for robotics signifies his commitment to advancing the field.
Agibot, founded by former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ recruit Peng Zhihui, unveils humanoid robots to challenge Tesla’s Optimus.
Backed by venture capital firm HongShan, Agibot introduces advanced biped robots equipped with AI technology for diverse applications.
Agibot aims to ship 300 units by the end of the year and competes directly with Tesla’s humanoid robots, emphasising superior commercialisation capabilities.
Source: SCMP