Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Tencent Emerges as a Leading Agent Production Hub with WorkBuddy and New AI Offerings
Tencent has established itself as a significant player in the agent production sector, launching WorkBuddy, which has garnered 8.85 million monthly visits. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes the introduction of several AI agents such as Zaohua Gongfang, Ardot, Miora, WorkRally, DataBuddy, and LearnBuddy. The rise of Tencent as an agent factory is noteworthy as it reflects the growing demand for AI-driven solutions across various industries. With WorkBuddy's impressive user engagement, Tencent is positioning itself to capitalize on the increasing reliance on intelligent agents in both personal and professional environments. Looking ahead, industry observers should monitor Tencent's continued expansion in the AI agent space and its impact on the competitive landscape. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Industry
Alibaba and Tencent Invest Over 1 Billion Yuan in Morphi: What's Behind Their Bet?
Morphi, a company focused on embodied intelligence, has successfully raised over 1 billion yuan in angel funding, resulting in a post-investment valuation that surpasses 7 billion yuan. This funding round sets a new record for first-round financing within China's embodied intelligence sector. Notably, tech giants Alibaba and Tencent have made their fourth joint investment in this area, indicating a strategic pivot towards early-stage investments as they aim to leverage emerging technologies and talent.
Embodied Intelligence Investment AI Robotics Technology
Tencent launches Hunyuan Hy3, integrates model across multiple products
On Monday, Tencent launched Hunyuan Hy3, a new reasoning model that integrates both fast and slow thinking. Built on a Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture, Hy3 features 295 billion total parameters with 21 billion activated parameters and supports a context window of up to 256K tokens. Hy3 has been integrated into several Tencent products and […]
News Feed
Tencent launches Ubisoft-licensed Just Dance: Party on mobile platforms with AI body tracking
Tencent has officially released Just Dance: Party, a mobile rhythm game inspired by Ubisoft’s popular Just Dance franchise. The game is now available for download on iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS devices. Utilizing a proprietary AI-powered skeletal tracking algorithm, Just Dance: Party allows players to engage in full-body motion capture using only their smartphone's front-facing camera, removing the necessity for additional accessories like dance mats or motion controllers. This innovative approach aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for users, making it easier for fans to enjoy the dance experience anytime and anywhere.
News Feed
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
Tencent’s chief AI scientist dismisses lag concerns, says race a ‘long-term game’
Yao Shunyu, the chief AI scientist at Tencent Holdings and a former researcher at OpenAI, addressed concerns regarding the company's perceived slow progress in artificial intelligence. Speaking recently, Yao emphasized that the AI race is only beginning, highlighting significant untapped potential in areas such as coding agents and embodied intelligence. He likened the current phase of AI development to the early days of personal computers in the 1970s, suggesting that the most crucial advancements are yet to come. Yao's comments reflect Tencent's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities amid a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Tencent launches WorkBuddy productivity AI agent for global users
Tencent Cloud has introduced WorkBuddy, a new AI productivity agent designed for users worldwide, following its initial launch in China. The platform aims to enhance office workflows by utilizing natural language prompts to decompose tasks, integrate with external tools, and produce deliverables for various work and study environments. WorkBuddy also facilitates remote task execution, making it a versatile tool for both professionals and students. This launch reflects Tencent Cloud's commitment to improving efficiency and collaboration in an increasingly digital workspace.
News Feed
Tencent Q1 2026 Earnings: Revenue Reaches 196.5B Yuan as Pony Ma Says 'Got on the AI Boat, Found It Was Leaking'
Tencent announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a revenue of 196.46 billion yuan, representing a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. In conjunction with the earnings report, CEO Pony Ma provided a candid and humorous commentary on the company's advancements in artificial intelligence. This reflects Tencent's commitment to enhancing AI integration throughout its diverse ecosystem, as the tech giant seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
AI
Tencent Music reports Q1 2026 revenue up 7.3% as non-membership music services rise 28%
Tencent Music Entertainment Group announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a revenue of RMB 7.90 billion (approximately $1.15 billion), marking a 7.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The company reported a non-IFRS net profit attributable to equity holders of RMB 2.27 billion ($330 million), reflecting a 7.0% rise. The growth in revenue was largely driven by the music-related services sector, which saw a 12.2% increase to RMB 6.51 billion ($944 million). Within this segment, membership services contributed significantly, generating RMB 4.57 billion, a 6.6% increase year-over-year. This positive financial performance underscores Tencent Music's continued expansion and resilience in the competitive digital music landscape.
News Feed
Tencent QClaw AI Integrates With Docs and ima Knowledge Base
Tencent has announced the integration of its QClaw AI with Tencent Docs and the ima knowledge base, enabling enterprise users to conduct comprehensive queries across documents and knowledge bases within a single conversation. This development marks a significant enhancement in Tencent's suite of AI productivity tools, aimed at streamlining information retrieval and improving efficiency for businesses. The integration, which leverages advanced AI capabilities, is expected to facilitate better collaboration and knowledge sharing among users. This expansion reflects Tencent's commitment to enhancing workplace productivity through innovative technology solutions.
AI
Supercell acquires Metacore, Tencent expands its presence in the global casual gaming market
Supercell has finalized its acquisition of Metacore, the developer behind the popular mobile game Merge Mansion, a move that has garnered significant attention within the global gaming industry. This announcement, made earlier this week, underscores Tencent's shifting strategy in the casual gaming market, following its majority stake acquisition of Supercell for approximately $8.6 billion in 2016. The deal not only expands Supercell's portfolio but also aligns with Tencent's broader ambitions to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing casual gaming sector.
Up and Comers Content and entertainment Gaming Highlight News
Tencent hires multiple core engineers from ByteDance’s Seed AI team
Tencent has intensified its recruitment efforts by hiring senior personnel from ByteDance's Seed AI team, focusing on expertise in visual AI platforms, infrastructure engineering, training infrastructure, and reinforcement learning algorithms. This strategic move aligns with Tencent's initiative to expedite the development of its large language models, as the company prepares for the anticipated launch of its next-generation Hunyuan 3.0 system in the second half of the year. The hiring spree reflects Tencent's commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities amid increasing competition in the tech industry.
News Feed
Tencent Music posts higher 2025 profit as online music revenue expands
Tencent Music Entertainment Group announced its financial results for 2025, revealing a revenue of RMB 32.9 billion ($4.71 billion), marking a 15.8% increase compared to the previous year. The company's net profit attributable to equity holders surged by 66.4% to reach RMB 11.06 billion ($1.58 billion). Additionally, the non-IFRS net profit saw a 25% rise, amounting to RMB 9.59 billion ($1.37 billion). A significant contributor to this growth was the revenue from online music services, which climbed by 22.9% to RMB 26.73 billion. This robust performance highlights Tencent Music's successful strategies in expanding its online music offerings and capitalizing on the growing demand for digital music services in an increasingly competitive market.
News Feed
Tencent weighs investment in Skydance’s Warner Bros. Discovery deal
Tencent is exploring the possibility of investing several hundred million dollars in Paramount Skydance Corp.'s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, as reported by sources familiar with the discussions. The Chinese tech giant is expected to take on a role as a passive financial investor in this venture. This move follows Tencent's previous involvement in Paramount's December offer, which included a commitment of $1 billion in equity. The potential investment underscores Tencent's ongoing interest in the entertainment sector and its strategic efforts to expand its influence in the global media landscape.
News Feed
Tencent-backed Chinese knight fantasy game Tides of Annihilation shows new gameplay demo
At the recent global Xbox Showcase, held last Friday, the Chinese single-player game "Tides of Annihilation," backed by Tencent, revealed an exciting new gameplay demo. Developed by Chengdu-based Eclipse Glow Games, the title is inspired by Arthurian legends and is set to be released as a buy-to-play game for both PC and console platforms. The demo features the protagonist, Gwendolyn, who joins forces with her former rival, Lamalock, showcasing the game's rich narrative and character dynamics. This unveiling marks a significant step for the developers as they prepare for the game's upcoming launch, aiming to captivate players with its unique storytelling and immersive gameplay.
News Feed
Tencent’s Delta Force: Hawk Ops hits PS5 and Xbox this August
TiMi Studio, a subsidiary of Tencent, has revealed that its free-to-play first-person shooter game, Delta Force: Hawk Ops, is set to launch on Xbox and PlayStation 5 in August. Originally released on PC and mobile platforms in September 2024, the game has quickly gained popularity, amassing over 12 million daily active users as of April 2025. The cross-platform nature of Delta Force aims to enhance accessibility and engagement among players, contributing to its rapid growth in the competitive gaming market.
News Feed
Tencent Q1 profit rises 14% as AI investment begins to pay off
Tencent, the prominent Chinese technology company, announced a net profit of RMB 47.82 billion ($6.6 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. The company's total revenue also saw a significant rise, climbing 13% to reach RMB 180.02 billion ($24.98 billion). Additionally, gross profit surged by 20%, totaling RMB 100.49 billion ($13.94 billion). These positive financial results are attributed to the early successes of Tencent's artificial intelligence initiatives, which have begun to yield substantial returns. The figures reflect the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on AI-driven growth in a competitive market.
News Feed
Tencent Music posts solid Q1 as online subscriptions offset social decline
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME), the music streaming division of Tencent, announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a revenue of RMB 7.36 billion (approximately $1.01 billion). This figure marks an 8.7% increase compared to the same period last year, primarily fueled by a significant rise in online music subscriptions. Revenue from music services alone saw a nearly 16% growth, reaching RMB 5.8 billion (around $800 million). However, the company experienced a decline in revenue from its social entertainment segment, indicating a mixed performance across its business lines. The results reflect TME's ongoing efforts to expand its music subscription base amidst a competitive streaming landscape.
News Feed
Tencent, Huawei, Baidu Fuel the Rise of China’s Cloud-Powered Robots
Shenzhen-based robotics company Dobot has formed a strategic partnership with Tencent Cloud, announced today, to enhance the integration of cloud computing infrastructure and improve collaboration between edge devices and the cloud. This collaboration aims to leverage Tencent's cloud capabilities to optimize Dobot's robotics solutions. Dobot has established itself in the global market, having shipped over 80,000 collaborative robots to notable clients such as BYD, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Xiaomi, and Microsoft. The company recently unveiled Atom, the world's first full-sized humanoid robot designed for dexterous manipulation, in March. This partnership with Tencent Cloud is expected to further advance Dobot's technological innovations and expand its reach in the robotics sector.
News Feed
DeepSeek credits Tencent for major performance boost in open-source framework DeepEP
Tencent's technology team has enhanced the performance of DeepSeek's open-source DeepEP communication framework, significantly improving its efficiency in various network environments. The Chinese AI startup reported that testing revealed a remarkable 100% performance boost on RoCE networks and a 30% improvement on InfiniBand (IB) networks. These advancements are expected to provide more effective solutions for AI model training. DeepSeek publicly recognized Tencent's contributions to the project on GitHub, highlighting the collaboration's impact on the development of AI technologies.
News Feed
Tencent unveils 3-minute gameplay trailer for Under One Person game
At a game launch event on Tuesday night, Tencent unveiled a new 3-minute gameplay trailer for its upcoming title, Under One Person. The trailer features original story content, introduces a new character named Xia He, and showcases the debut of a formidable new boss. In an effort to engage players ahead of the game's release, pre-registration has been opened across all platforms, with an impressive 20 million sign-ups already achieved. All registered players will receive exclusive rewards upon the game's launch, highlighting Tencent's strategy to build anticipation and community involvement ahead of the release.
News Feed
Tencent invests 1.16 billion euros in Ubisoft’s new subsidiary, managing major IPs like Assassin’s Creed
Last Friday, Ubisoft, the French gaming giant, revealed plans to create a new subsidiary dedicated to developing core gaming titles in collaboration with Tencent, a leading Chinese game publisher. This strategic partnership, valued at approximately 1.16 billion euros (about $1.25 billion), will allow Tencent to acquire a 25% stake in the subsidiary, which is projected to have a total worth of around 4 billion euros. The move aims to leverage Tencent's extensive market reach and expertise in the gaming industry, enhancing Ubisoft's presence in the rapidly growing Asian market.
Heavy Hitters Content and entertainment E-commerce and New Retail Gaming Highlight News
Approval secured for Tencent’s Honor of Kings: World and NetEase’s Frostpunk: Beyond the Ice
On Tuesday, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) of China announced the approval of its first batch of game licenses for 2025, which includes 123 domestic titles and 13 imported games. Notably, Tencent's highly anticipated open-world role-playing game, Honor of Kings: World, received approval, generating excitement among gamers. This move reflects the NPPA's ongoing efforts to regulate the gaming industry while allowing for the introduction of new content to meet the growing demand for interactive entertainment in China. The approval process involved a thorough review of the games to ensure they align with national standards and regulations.
News Feed
Microsoft launches Tencent App Store Zone in Windows Store for Chinese users
Microsoft has launched a new section in the Windows Store dedicated to Tencent's App Store, marking a significant development for users in China. This new Tencent App Store Zone is now accessible to members of the Windows Preview program, allowing them to download and use Tencent's Android-based mobile applications directly from the Microsoft Store. This initiative aims to enhance the app ecosystem for Windows users in China by integrating popular Tencent applications, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to expanding its offerings in the region. The collaboration is expected to streamline access to Tencent's diverse range of apps, catering to the growing demand for mobile solutions among Windows users.
News Feed
Tencent Robotics X Lab reveals The Five, a hybrid home help robot
Tencent Robotics X Lab introduced its latest residential robot, The Five, on Tuesday. Designed as a general-purpose companion, The Five aims to coexist safely and harmoniously with humans. This new model incorporates advanced features from its predecessors, including four wheels, tactile skin, and dexterous hands. Initial lab tests indicate that The Five is capable of walking, transporting objects, and performing complex tasks, showcasing significant advancements in robotic technology.
News Feed
Alibaba, Tencent lead pivot from chatbots to embodied AI for robotics
Chinese tech companies are rapidly advancing the integration of artificial intelligence into robotics, marking a significant shift in the generative AI landscape from digital chatbots to physical autonomous systems. Last week, Alibaba Group Holding introduced its Qwen3.7-Max model, which boasts innovative “tool-calling” capabilities. This feature enables the AI to function as a digital brain, facilitating the control of robots by coordinating various physical actions, including navigation and interaction with external software and hardware components. This development reflects a broader trend within the tech industry to enhance robotic functionalities through advanced AI, aiming to improve efficiency and expand the applications of autonomous systems in various sectors.
Weixin Pay expands role in Singapore tourism as Chinese visitor demand grows
A significant milestone in cross-border digital tourism development has been achieved with the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between key tourism stakeholders in Singapore and Weixin Pay. This partnership, which includes the Sentosa Development Corporation and CapitaLand, aims to enhance the travel experience for Chinese visitors to Singapore. The collaboration is driven by Tencent’s strategic interest in expanding its influence in the region, facilitating a more seamless integration of digital payment solutions for tourists. This initiative is expected to streamline transactions and improve overall satisfaction for travelers, reflecting a growing trend towards digitalization in the tourism sector.
Events News Highlight SINGAPORE Tencent Weixin
Chinese Internet Association Launches AI Agent Data Protection Pact with Major Firms
The China Internet Association has introduced a self-regulatory agreement focused on personal information protection for AI agents during a forum in Beijing. Major companies including Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and Volcengine are among the initial signatories of this pact, which aims to establish standards for the collection, processing, and usage of personal data by AI agents as their services proliferate across various internet platforms. This initiative is significant as it seeks to address growing concerns regarding data privacy and security in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies. By standardizing practices, the pact aims to enhance consumer trust and ensure responsible handling of personal information, which is crucial as AI agents become increasingly integrated into daily online interactions. Looking ahead, the China Internet Association also unveiled a separate self-regulatory pact for mini-program ecosystems, signed by Tencent, Ant Group, and Baidu, among others. This indicates a broader commitment to data protection across different digital services. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News Feed
DeepCtrls Secures Hundreds of Millions in Funding to Revolutionize Global Energy Infrastructure with Physical AI
DeepCtrls, a Chinese physical AI company, has successfully secured hundreds of millions in Series B funding, with JinkoSolar leading the investment round alongside other contributors. This significant financial boost will be directed towards enhancing the company’s proprietary PhyAI engine and expanding its DeepBot product into international markets. DeepCtrls is committed to integrating physical mechanisms with artificial intelligence, aiming to revolutionize energy infrastructure and enhance industrial AI applications. The company has already established a strong client base, including major players such as TSMC and Tencent, and is poised for substantial revenue growth as it continues to innovate in the sector.
Physical AI Energy Infrastructure Industrial AI Automation Global Expansion
Former Huawei Executive Leads Morphi in Embodied Intelligence with Over $1.4 Billion in Funding
Morphi, a rising company in the field of embodied intelligence, has successfully secured over 1 billion yuan in angel funding, achieving a post-investment valuation of over 7 billion yuan. The startup, which counts tech giants Alibaba and Tencent among its backers, is focused on creating a versatile, multimodal robotic brain. Initially, Morphi will concentrate on commercial applications, with plans to later venture into the household robotics sector. Founded by former leaders from Huawei, the company is preparing to launch its first consumer service robot in July.
Embodied Intelligence Robotics AI Funding Startups
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
From R&D to Data Analysis, AI Is Rewriting How Game Companies Operate
YOOZOO Interactive deploys AI agents across 75% of its workforce, using Tencent Cloud WorkBuddy to transform game development from coding to global marketing analytics.
Industry
Xiaomi's former executive Tang Mu raises hundreds of millions for coffee robot startup, backed by Lin Bin and Li Wanqiang.
The robotics company Yingshi XBOT has successfully secured hundreds of millions in funding through two rounds of financing, with the Series A round raising 200 million yuan from Hong Kong's Jian Kun Capital and the Series B round expected to bring in 300 to 500 million yuan from various government and industry investors. This marks one of the largest investments in the restaurant-focused robotics sector to date. Founded in 2022 by Tang Mu, a former product manager with extensive experience in tech firms like Tencent and Xiaomi, Yingshi XBOT aims to revolutionize the food service industry by deploying robots for tasks such as coffee making in commercial spaces. The company’s technology is built around a specialized operating system, XOS 3.0, designed for the restaurant sector. This system features a multi-layered architecture that optimizes performance and efficiency while addressing common challenges in the industry. Yingshi XBOT has launched several product lines, including coffee and ice cream robots, which have already been deployed in over 1,000 locations worldwide, producing more than 4 million cups of coffee. With a focus on commercial applications rather than household or industrial settings, Yingshi XBOT has adopted a "Robot as a Service" (RaaS) model, allowing businesses to benefit from robotic solutions without the burden of ownership. The company has established partnerships with various brands and is exploring international markets, projecting significant revenue growth in the coming years.
Shenzhen's Stardust Intelligence secures over 1 billion in Series B funding, valuation exceeds 10 billion.
Astribot, a Shenzhen-based AI robotics company, has successfully completed a Series B funding round, raising over 1 billion yuan within three months. The financing was backed by various investors, including established firms like Liangxi Kechuang and several returning shareholders. With a valuation surpassing 10 billion yuan, Astribot joins the ranks of Shenzhen's unicorns, previously attracting investments from major players like Tencent and Alibaba. Founded in 2022 by CEO Lai Jie, who has over 17 years of experience in AI and robotics, Astribot focuses on creating robots that can think and operate like humans. The company has developed a comprehensive self-research system integrating AI models with a unique operating system tailored for their robotic bodies. Their latest product, the T1 model, is designed for various tasks, including cooking and industrial applications, and is priced starting at 89,900 yuan. Astribot's innovative approach emphasizes a dual-system framework, allowing robots to respond quickly to immediate tasks while also planning for more complex operations. This model, known as DuoCore, enhances the robots' adaptability in real-world environments. Additionally, Astribot is the first company globally to mass-produce rope-driven AI robots, which mimic human muscle movements, offering improved performance and safety for close interactions. As the company continues to expand its product offerings, it is establishing a strong presence in sectors such as research, commercial services, and entertainment, demonstrating its capability for large-scale deliveries.
TME reports strong subscription growth in Q3, but faces decline in monthly active users
Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), the online music streaming platform operated by Tencent, announced a significant increase in paid subscribers during the third quarter of 2024. Despite this positive development, the company experienced a decline in monthly active users across its music and social entertainment divisions. TME's revenue from its online music services grew by 20.4% compared to the previous year, totaling RMB 5.48 billion (approximately $800 million). This growth in subscriber numbers highlights TME's ability to attract paying customers, even as it faces challenges in maintaining user engagement across its broader platform. The contrasting trends of rising revenue and falling active users suggest a shift in user behavior, prompting TME to reassess its strategies to enhance user retention and engagement in the competitive streaming market.
News Feed
TuSimple to produce animation and game based on Three-Body Problem, its first major project since delisting
TuSimple, a provider of self-driving truck technology, announced on Thursday its plans to produce the first animated feature-length film and video game inspired by the acclaimed novel "The Three-Body Problem." This project follows the novel's previous adaptations for drama by Netflix and Tencent Video. The collaboration marks a significant expansion for TuSimple, which recently delisted from the Nasdaq in February, reflecting its strategic shift in focus. The initiative aims to leverage the novel's popularity and complex themes to engage a broader audience through innovative storytelling in both film and gaming formats.
News FeedRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
