(Yicai) Feb. 24 -- AI² Robotics, a Chinese humanoid robot startup, has secured over CNY1 billion (USD145 million) to enhance its embodied intelligence model capabilities and for the iteration and upgrade of its robots.

Investors in the Series B fundraiser included 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, AI² Robotics announced yesterday. The firm's valuation exceeded CNY10 billion (USD1.5 billion) after the funding round.

The proceeds will be primarily focused on the development of the embodied intelligence model GOVLA, based on which AI² Robotics aims to drive the iteration and upgrade of its AlphaBot series and expand production lines, the Shenzhen-based company said, adding that this will help consolidate its leading advantages in model development, hardware, and application scenarios.

AI² Robotics sees promising collaboration prospects with several investors in the latest fundraiser, it noted. Baidu, a giant in the artificial intelligence area with a long history in deep learning, large language models, and foundational algorithm frameworks, will assist in enhancing embodied intelligence model capabilities, while CRRC, representing China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry, possesses a vast manufacturing system that provides ideal testing and application scenarios for humanoid robots, it pointed out.

Established in 2023, AI² Robotics released GOVLA, its first Vision-Language-Action model, in June 2024. In addition, it launched a self-built robot production line with the capacity to produce 1,000 units per year last September, planning to expand the output to 10,000 units this year, the company said.

AI² Robotics' robots are used in various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, public services, and new retail. The company has also secured a three-year order for 1,000 robots from HKC, the world's third-largest maker of liquid crystal display panels, it added.

Editor: Martin Kadiev