To gain attention in the competitive humanoid robot market, Shanghai-based startup Agibot has made a debut with its first series of humanoid robots.
Founded by former Huawei prodigy Peng Zhihui, Agibot on August 18, 2024, Agibot unveiled five new humanoid robot models, showcasing various applications from domestic tasks to industrial duties. The company’s new lineup includes both wheeled and bipedal robots, reflecting Agibot’s commitment to advancing embodied AI and robotics technology.
Peng Zhihui, who played a pivotal role in Huawei’s ‘Genius Youth’ program, expressed his confidence in Agibot’s progress during an online launch event. “We have made some breakthroughs … in product research and development in the past year, and we’re now at the forefront of the industry,” Zhihui stated, emphasizing the company’s rapid development and leading position in the market.
Among the newly introduced models, the Yuanzheng A2 stands out as the flagship biped humanoid robot. Standing at 175 centimeters and weighing 121 pounds (55 kilograms), this model is equipped with advanced sensors and powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Yuanzheng A2 is capable of complex tasks such as threading a needle, thanks to its precision and sophisticated sensory systems.
The Yuanzheng A2 is accompanied by several other models in the lineup, including the A2 Max—a more robust version—and service-oriented robots named A2-W, X1, and X1-W. While details on these models remain limited, the launch has generated significant interest, particularly in light of Agibot’s ambitious goals.
Agibot is positioning itself as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots. Peng Zhihui said, “We don’t think the gap between the two sides [Optimus and Agibot] will be big. Our commercialization and cost-control ability is better than that of Tesla.” This statement suggests a looming rivalry between Agibot and Tesla in the rapidly evolving humanoid robot market.
Agibot’s journey began with the launch of its first humanoid robot, Raise A1, in August 2023. This model, initially targeted at industries such as automotive, 3C manufacturing, and logistics, boasts 49 degrees of freedom, stands 1.75 meters tall, and weighs 116 pounds (53 kilograms). Designed for industrial applications, Raise A1 is capable of performing tasks ranging from bolt tightening and vehicle inspections to laboratory experiments. However, Agibot envisions a broader role for Raise A1, including household duties like cooking, laundry, and elderly care.
With advanced capabilities such as stable bipedal walking at speeds of up to 4.4 mph (7 km/h), the ability to handle loads of up to 176 pounds (80 kilograms), and a sophisticated array of sensors, Raise A1 is a testament to Agibot’s technological prowess. The robot is equipped with an RGBD camera, LiDAR sensors, and modular components, allowing it to adapt to various scenarios.
Agibot’s ambitions extend beyond humanoid robots, with their cleaning robot model C5 also making waves. This model is designed to perform multiple cleaning tasks, including sweeping, scrubbing, and dust mopping. It is also equipped with a workstation capable of automatic charging, water filling, drainage, and self-cleaning, making it a comprehensive solution for automated cleaning.
Agibot plans to begin shipping its new robots in October 2024, aiming to deliver 300 units by the end of the year. The company’s strategy includes offering these advanced robots at a cost lower than its U.S. counterparts.
