(Yicai) April 7 -- Chinese robotics maker Ubtech Robotics has entered a strategic partnership with Honda Trading Corporation, a subsidiary of Japanese automotive giant Honda Motor, to explore the use of humanoid robots and unmanned logistics vehicles in industrial manufacturing and logistics.

Ubtech’s smart logistics unit, UQI Robotics, signed the agreement with Honda Trading China to jointly conduct research into applications for humanoid robots and unmanned logistics vehicles, including scenario validation and business model development. The partnership will also explore potential industrial uses for Ubtech’s flagship Walker series of humanoid robots, the Shenzhen-based company announced today.

The companies will also cooperate on promoting humanoid robot applications, regional distribution and technological innovation of industrial robots and unmanned logistics vehicles. They plan to strengthen their strategic collaboration by sharing industry insights and cooperation opportunities, Ubtech added.

Benefiting from rapid growth in China’s embodied intelligence sector, Ubtech’s sales revenue from full-sized humanoid robots, defined as those taller than 160 centimeters, jumped 23-fold to CNY820.6 million (USD119.4 million) last year. This helped lift the company’s total revenue 53 percent to CNY2 billion (USD290 million), while its net loss narrowed 32 percent to CNY789.8 million, according to its financial report released on March 31.

On April 2, Ubtech also announced a global recruitment drive for dozens of core research and development positions related to embodied intelligence, including a chief scientist role offering a starting annual salary of CNY15 million (USD2.2 million) and a potential maximum of CNY124 million.

Founded in 2020 as a joint venture between Ubtech and Miracle Automation Engineering, UQI focuses on developing collaborative operating models for humanoid robots and unmanned vehicles to build end-to-end unmanned logistics systems.

Honda Trading mainly engages in global trade of raw materials, components, equipment, and technical services related to automotive manufacturing. The company operates 56 branches across 19 countries and regions and has extensive experience in manufacturing supply chains.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Emmi Laine