Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Smart mobility company becomes top electric motorcycle brand in Indonesia after raising millions from CATL fund.
OMOWAY, a smart two-wheeler mobility company, has successfully completed both Series A and A+ funding rounds, each raising tens of millions of dollars. The A+ round was led by Lochpine Capital, a fund backed by CATL, while Monolith led the A round with participation from CICC Capital and existing investor ZhenFund. Founded less than two years ago, OMOWAY has attracted a strong roster of investors, including Sequoia, ZhenFund, and various funds from the new energy sector. With significant financial backing and industry resources, OMOWAY is accelerating the commercialization of its products globally. In June, the company launched its flagship product, the OMO-X, with its first delivery in Indonesia, where it quickly became the top-selling electric motorcycle in the country during its first month. OMOWAY aims to disrupt the traditional motorcycle market, which has long been dominated by Japanese fuel brands, by addressing common industry challenges such as the high premium on advanced smart products and the lack of technological appeal in affordable options. The OMO-X features advanced technology, including a digital key, automatic side stand, remote control capabilities, and a large 10.25-inch interactive display, significantly enhancing user experience. The OMO-X Smart model focuses on intelligent mobility, while the OMO-X Balance is the world's first mass-produced self-balancing motorcycle, utilizing gyroscopic technology to improve stability. OMOWAY is also developing a reinforcement learning model for real-world driving conditions and has implemented a 360° panoramic vision system for enhanced safety. With a proprietary technology framework that integrates AI and robotics, OMOWAY is expanding its dealer network in Indonesia and plans to enter markets in Thailand, Singapore, and Europe, aiming to evolve transportation into intelligent partnerships for various applications.
CATL’s cell-making factory gets Galbot’s heavy-load humanoid robot as new worker
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the leading global manufacturer of power batteries, has introduced its first heavy-load humanoid robot, marking a significant advancement in automation technology. This innovative robot was unveiled during a recent event held at CATL's headquarters in Ningde, China. The deployment of this humanoid robot is part of CATL's ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce labor costs in its manufacturing processes. By integrating advanced robotics into its production lines, CATL aims to streamline workflows and improve productivity. The introduction of this technology reflects the company's commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on automation in response to the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries.
AI and Robotics
DeepSeek Raises $7.4 Billion in Historic Series A: Tencent Leads, CATL Crosses Over, Alibaba and ByteDance Sit Out
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has successfully raised around 51 billion yuan in a Series A funding round, achieving a valuation of 400 billion yuan. The funding, which took place recently, saw significant investment from tech giant Tencent, contributing 10 billion yuan, while battery manufacturer CATL has also joined as a strategic investor. This substantial financial backing highlights the growing interest and confidence in DeepSeek's innovative technology and its potential impact on the AI landscape.
AI
From Customers to Investors: Why CATL, Zhiyuan, and Galaxy General Invest Heavily in Blue Dot Touch Control's Six-Dimensional Force Sensors?
Blue Dot Touch Control has secured over 100 million RMB in a successful C+ round of financing, with significant backing from prominent investors including CATL and Zhiyuan Robotics. This substantial funding will be directed towards advancing product development and expanding market reach, thereby strengthening the company's foothold in the competitive six-dimensional force sensor market for humanoid robots. The investment reflects growing confidence in Blue Dot's innovative technology and its potential to lead in this emerging sector.
Force Sensors Humanoid Robots Investment Technology Development
Great News | Estun Servo Products Selected into CATL's Recommended List of Commonly Used Components, Empowering New Energy Intelligent Manufacturing with Superior Performance!
Estun's servo system products have been recognized for their exceptional performance and reliability, earning a spot in the recommended tier of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited's (CATL) List of Commonly Used Components. This significant achievement not only highlights Estun's commitment to quality but also signifies a deeper strategic partnership between the two companies. The inclusion in CATL's list reflects Estun's growing influence in the industry and its ability to meet the high standards set by one of the leading battery manufacturers globally. This development is expected to enhance Estun's market presence and foster further collaboration with CATL in the future.
ESTUN AUTOMATION ROBOTICS SERVO SYSTEMS
China’s CATL partners with ride-hailer T3 to develop robotaxis with skateboard chassis
A subsidiary of China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has entered into a partnership with T3 Chuxing, a Chinese ride-hailing platform, to create autonomous ride-hailing vehicles. This collaboration will utilize CATL’s innovative skateboard chassis designed for electric vehicles. The agreement underscores CATL's commitment to expanding its investments in the burgeoning robotaxi sector, which is seen as a significant growth area in the automotive industry. The two companies will work together on the design, development, and testing of these autonomous vehicles, aiming to enhance the future of urban transportation.
News Feed
CATL backs humanoid robotics startup Galbot in $153 million funding
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), the largest battery manufacturer globally, has made a significant move into the humanoid robotics sector by leading a funding round of RMB 1.1 billion (approximately $153 million) for Galbot, a startup based in Beijing. This investment has elevated Galbot to unicorn status, with its valuation surpassing $1 billion, as reported by financial media outlet Caixin. The funding round also saw participation from the growth investment arm of the China Development Bank, among other investors. This strategic investment reflects CATL's ambition to diversify its portfolio and capitalize on the growing demand for advanced robotics technology.
News Feed
China’s CATL partners with Alibaba’s Ant to make robotaxis, in challenge Waymo and Tesla
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has announced a collaboration with Ant Group, Alibaba’s fintech subsidiary, and bike-sharing service Hellobike to develop autonomous ride-hailing vehicles. This partnership, revealed on Monday, positions CATL in direct competition with established players in the sector, including Waymo and Baidu. Hellobike, which is primarily owned by Ant Group with a 36% stake, will play a crucial role in this venture. The collaboration aims to leverage advancements in battery technology and fintech solutions to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of autonomous transportation services.
News Feed
CATL to build 10 battery swap stations in Hong Kong by 2027
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has announced plans to establish 10 electric vehicle battery swap stations throughout Hong Kong by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to significantly decrease the charging time for electric vehicles in the city, thereby enhancing operational efficiency for local taxi drivers. The company revealed its intentions in a statement made on June 1, highlighting the growing demand for faster charging solutions as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise. By implementing these battery swap stations, CATL hopes to facilitate a smoother transition to electric mobility, addressing both convenience for drivers and the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions in urban transportation.
News Feed
BYD surpasses CATL in market value, unveils major EV charging breakthrough
On Monday, BYD's market value surpassed RMB 1.16 trillion ($160 billion), marking the first time in seven years that it has outpaced CATL in mainland China. This significant milestone occurred just hours before the launch of BYD's latest electric vehicle platform, which is anticipated to revolutionize EV charging. The rise in BYD's shares by approximately 1.2% reflects growing investor confidence in the company’s innovative advancements in the electric vehicle sector.
News Feed
CATL Deploys Humanoid Fleet to High-Voltage Lines, Claims Production Breakthrough
A leading battery manufacturer has successfully integrated Spirit AI's "Moz" robots into its live production lines, marking a significant advancement in workplace safety and efficiency. This integration, which took place recently, focuses on automating a high-risk task that involves managing dangerous voltage alongside the complexities of flexible cables. The move aims to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance operational productivity within the facility. By employing these advanced robotic systems, the company seeks to streamline its production processes while ensuring the safety of its workforce.
Business China CATL Spirit AI
BYD, Chery, and CATL made it onto the 2024 Fortune 500 list
Chinese automotive companies showcased significant resilience on Fortune magazine's annual list of the 500 top global businesses, with ten firms making the cut. This achievement comes amid a challenging economic landscape for China, characterized by declining consumer demand. Notably, electric vehicle manufacturer BYD experienced a remarkable ascent, climbing 69 positions in the 2024 Fortune 500, marking the largest increase among Chinese companies on the list. This surge highlights BYD's growing influence and success in the competitive automotive sector, particularly in the electric vehicle market, despite broader economic headwinds facing the country.
News Feed
Physical AI Company DeepCtrls Raises Hundreds of Millions from Jinko Energy and SDIC Innovation
DeepCtrls has successfully completed its Series B funding round, securing significant investment to enhance its physical AI platform aimed at global energy infrastructure. This funding will enable the company to expand its services to over 360 enterprise clients, including major players such as TSMC, CXMT, Tencent, and CATL. The funding round, which took place recently, reflects the growing demand for innovative AI solutions in the energy sector. By leveraging this investment, DeepCtrls aims to scale its operations and improve its offerings, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and sustainability of energy infrastructure worldwide.
Technology
Galbot Reportedly Eyes $4 Billion Hong Kong IPO, Joining China’s Humanoid Rush
A Beijing-based startup, supported by battery manufacturer CATL, is reportedly collaborating with UBS and Citic Securities to prepare for a public listing in 2026. Despite these plans, the company asserts that its ongoing restructuring efforts are solely aimed at securing private financing. This strategic move reflects the startup's ambitions in the competitive battery market, as it seeks to enhance its financial standing and operational capabilities ahead of a potential IPO.
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