Shanghai STEP Robot Co
STEP subsidiary making 6-axis and SCARA industrial robots (1-600 kg payload) under STEP/ADTECH brands; parent listed SZ:002527.
Shanghai STEP Robot Co (wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai STEP Electric Corporation, SZ:002527) develops and manufactures industrial robots under the STEP and ADTECH brands. Product range covers 6-axis articulated robots, SCARA robots, semiconductor wafer robots, and palletizing robots with payloads from 1 kg to 600 kg. The parent group was founded in 1995 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2010.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
SR Series
6-axis articulated robots for handling, palletizing, assembly; up to 20kg.
SA Series
Compact 6-axis robots for welding, palletizing and cutting.
SP Series
4-axis palletizing robots with simple structure and low failure rate.
AR Series SCARA
4-axis SCARA robots for assembly, pick-and-place and palletizing.
Contact Shanghai STEP Robot Co
WEBSITE
http://en.steprobots.comPHONE
+86 21 6992 6000HEADQUARTERS
China
Company Facts
Founded
1995
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 2000-5000
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Subsidiary / Acquired
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Domestic Brands Capture 55% of China's Industrial Robot Shipments Led by Estun
Domestic brands in China have now secured approximately 55% of the industrial robot shipments, indicating a significant shift towards local capabilities. Estun has emerged as the leader in volume, while Inovance has made notable advancements in SCARA robots and servo systems. However, the high-end automotive and semiconductor process software sectors continue to pose challenges for these domestic brands. This shift is crucial as it reflects China's growing emphasis on self-reliance in technology and manufacturing. The dominance of local brands like Estun and Inovance highlights the potential for innovation and competitiveness within the domestic market. Despite these advancements, the difficulty in replacing high-end software solutions indicates that there is still a reliance on foreign technology in certain critical areas. Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how domestic brands continue to evolve and address the challenges posed by high-end software in the automotive and semiconductor industries. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RobotPlusPlus Secures Series C Funding to Enhance Global Industrial Robotics Operations
RobotPlusPlus has successfully raised hundreds of millions of yuan in Series C funding to broaden its industrial robotics business on a global scale. The funding round was led by Qianggang Capital Fund, with contributions from GIG Capital Group, Sealand Innovation, and Juntong Capital, while existing investor Fosun RZ Capital increased its stake. This funding is crucial as RobotPlusPlus aims to develop embodied AI systems for hazardous work environments, enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial operations. The company has reported over 2 million operating hours for its robots and has completed hull derusting on more than 10,000 cargo vessels across 100 shipyards, demonstrating its significant market presence. Looking ahead, RobotPlusPlus plans to expand its robotic systems beyond specialized machines to cater to various industrial operations. The Series C funding will support the development of AI models tailored for specific environments, furthering automation in high-risk settings. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI AI Funding & Investment Robotics China funding industrial robotics
Rhoda AI Evaluates Impact of Web-Video Pretraining on Industrial Robot Performance
Rhoda AI has reported enhancements in industrial manipulation capabilities through scaled web-video pretraining, as detailed in a study released on September 10. The research tested various model sizes, achieving completion rates of 3.7%, 65.0%, 75.3%, and 84.7% in under 100 seconds for tasks like unpacking bearings and sorting waste, with the largest model scoring 94 out of 111. This study is significant as it explores a fundamental aspect of physical AI, demonstrating that larger models, while requiring more computational resources, can lead to improved performance. A separate fixed-size experiment indicated that increasing pretraining compute raised performance from 57.8% to 75.3%, suggesting that the amount of pretraining data and compute plays a crucial role in task execution efficiency. Looking ahead, Rhoda's approach, which utilizes the Direct Video-Action architecture, emphasizes the importance of causal video modeling in robot training. The company’s ongoing evaluations and adaptations of its models will be critical to understanding the future applications of video pretraining in robotics. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
US rhoda-ai
Boston Dynamics Introduces Industrial-Style Head for Atlas Robot Design
Boston Dynamics has redesigned its Atlas robot, incorporating an industrial-style head instead of human-like features. Mechanical engineer Taylor Frey-Baker emphasized that Atlas is intended for industrial environments, thus its appearance should reflect that purpose. The head lacks facial features and includes light rings that communicate the robot's operational status and intentions to nearby workers. This design choice is significant as it prioritizes safety and efficiency in shared workspaces. The head's lighting interface provides immediate visual cues about Atlas's actions, reducing ambiguity in industrial settings. The robot is equipped with HDR stereo cameras that enhance environmental perception, allowing operators to navigate challenging lighting conditions effectively. Looking ahead, the integration of the head as a sensor carrier and status indicator positions Atlas to work safely and predictably alongside human workers in factories and warehouses. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Industrial Robots Robot Design Automation Technology Safety Systems
PrimeLite Robot Enhances Classroom Learning Through Embodied Intelligence
A small robot named PrimeLite, developed by Deep Intelligence, is designed for educational settings, allowing students to build their own robots from 3D-printed parts. This initiative aims to make embodied intelligence accessible in classrooms by addressing cost and safety concerns associated with traditional industrial robots. The significance of PrimeLite lies in its innovative design and educational approach, which enables hands-on learning. By allowing students to assemble the robot from components, they gain insights into the engineering principles behind robotics. The robot's lightweight, 3D-printed shell ensures safety, while its open-source software facilitates interaction and learning. Looking ahead, PrimeLite has been adopted as the official development platform for the International AI Safety Olympic Competition (ICOA2026). The program is expanding to various educational institutions, including partnerships with Beijing 11th School and Renmin University Affiliated High School, to integrate embodied intelligence into research-based learning. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Educational Robotics Embodied Intelligence 3D Printing AI in Education
Maven Robotics Secures $100 Million Funding to Expand General-Purpose Industrial Robots
Maven Robotics has officially launched, announcing $100 million in Series A funding from investors including RoboStrategy, LocalGlobe, Vine Ventures, and XTX Ventures. The company specializes in designing, building, and deploying intelligent robotics tailored for logistics and manufacturing applications. This funding is significant as it positions Maven Robotics to scale its operations and enhance its innovative general-purpose robotics systems. Founded in 2024, the company aims to revolutionize the industrial sector by providing versatile robotic solutions that can adapt to various tasks within logistics and manufacturing environments. Looking ahead, industry observers will be keen to see how Maven Robotics utilizes this funding to accelerate product development and market penetration. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Industry News Robotics Autonomous robots general purpose robots industrial robotics
Foxconn and Alt Establish Joint Venture in Robotics with Equal Ownership Stakes
Foxconn Technology Group and Alt Automotive Technology have jointly established a new company, Beijing Futekang Intelligent Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., with equal stakes of 45% each. This unusual ownership structure suggests a collaborative decision-making process, as both companies bring unique resources to the table. The company focuses on manufacturing and selling intelligent and industrial robots, indicating a strong emphasis on production capabilities rather than research and development. The partnership is significant as it reflects the automotive supply chain's shift towards robotics, particularly in humanoid robots, where both companies have overlapping expertise. Foxconn contributes its precision manufacturing and mass production experience, while Alt brings automotive engineering and system integration knowledge. This collaboration aims to leverage existing supply chain resources to create a competitive edge in the robotics market. Future product offerings and target applications remain undisclosed, but the company's operational scope suggests flexibility in both industrial and consumer robotics. The initial products are likely to be tested within the existing ecosystems of Foxconn and Alt, utilizing their established customer bases and operational needs for automation.
Robotics Manufacturing Automotive Engineering Humanoid Robots
Q1 and T1 Robots from Qiyuan Robotics Set to Transform Home Interaction
Qiyuan Robotics is preparing to deliver its Q1 robot, which stands 88 cm tall and weighs 15 kg, designed for companionship and entertainment. The company, part of the Upwind New Materials group, is also launching the T1, a transformable robot. CEO Tian Hua emphasizes that personal robots should not merely replicate industrial robots but instead create a new form of human-robot interaction. The significance of these developments lies in the potential for personal robots to become a primary interface in homes, connecting AI, digital services, and everyday life. Unlike structured factory environments, homes present unpredictable challenges, which is why Qiyuan has opted for a smaller, safer design for the Q1. The T1, standing about one meter tall, can switch between wheeled and quadrupedal forms, indicating a shift in the industry towards robots that better fit human lifestyles. Looking ahead, Qiyuan Robotics faces the challenge of moving from prototypes to mass production, with plans for a production line capable of handling thousands of units. The company has secured 210 million yuan in prepayments for its consumer-grade robots and is investing significantly in R&D. Analysts remain cautious, noting that while the home market is promising, it may take longer to reach commercialization compared to industrial applications. The real test will be whether users will keep these robots in their homes after initial trials.
Personal Robots Home Automation AI Consumer Robotics
Finalists for the CIIF Robotics Award Showcased at the 26th China International Industry Fair
On September 9, the 26th China International Industry Fair (CIIF) hosted the presentation of finalists for the CIIF Robotics Award. This event was organized by the CIIF Robotics Exhibition Department in collaboration with the Shanghai Robotics Industry Association, ensuring a thorough evaluation process to select benchmark products in the industry. A total of 36 products from 36 companies across the country were nominated for the award. The significance of this event lies in its role in promoting innovation and excellence in robotics. Among the finalists is FANUC's new generation of heavy-duty industrial robots, designed for automation scenarios with a load capacity ranging from 120kg to 300kg. This series emphasizes performance upgrades, energy efficiency, and reduced operational costs, aiming to enhance production efficiency and support the transition to high stability and intelligent automation in industrial production. Looking ahead, the competition highlights the advancements in robotics technology, including the MOTOMAN NEXT from Yaskawa, which integrates AI capabilities for improved operational efficiency. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing developments in robotics are expected to drive significant changes in manufacturing processes and automation solutions in the near future.
Industrial Robotics Automation Technology AI Robotics Collaborative Robots
AI Enhancements in Robotics: Balancing Power and Risks 25 Years After 9/11
The integration of AI in robotics has significantly enhanced surveillance capabilities, raising concerns about potential risks. Experts warn that the rapid development of AI technologies, particularly in industrial robots and drones, could lead to misuse in sensitive applications, such as monitoring and security. As companies race to innovate, the implications for privacy and ethical considerations become increasingly critical. The advancements in robotics, including the MOFU's adjustable height and AEON's task validation, demonstrate the potential for improved efficiency and precision in industrial settings. However, the unchecked corporate competition in AI development poses unprecedented risks to society, as highlighted by researchers. The ability of systems like UnifoLM-X2-1.0 to predict and adapt in real-time further emphasizes the need for responsible deployment of these technologies. Looking ahead, the industry must address the ethical implications of AI in robotics, particularly in surveillance applications. With over 80 percent of production processes automated, the focus will be on ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
China’s Dexterous Hand Industry, 2026 Part 2 — The Technology
Linkage, tendon, direct drive or hybrid — and why hardware is converging while the DL1–DL5 manipulation scale decides who wins. Part 2 of 3.
WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots
149 of the 248 classified WRC 2026 exhibitors build finished robots. 93 build humanoid or legged machines. The audited humanoid sales number is one unit.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 3 – 7, 2026
This week in robotics: Unitree prices its Shanghai STAR Market IPO with DeepSeek taking a strategic stake, the FCC expands its foreign-robot ban as China threatens retaliation, BMW commits to Figure 03 humanoids, and Zoox goes paid in Las Vegas. August 3–7, 2026.
WAIC Review 4/4: From Port AGVs to Hospital Night Shifts: What WAIC 2026 Reveals About Real Robot Deployments
From 530+ AGVs at a Singapore port to robots on Apple's line, WAIC 2026 speakers shared concrete data on where embodied AI robots are actually working today.
WAIC Review 1/4: Embodied AI's Industrialization Wave: Financing Data, Unit Economics, and a Widening Split
China's embodied AI sector raised $12.5B in H1 2026, but WAIC 2026 speakers detailed ROI demands, power bottlenecks, and the mass-production-to-sales gap.
WAIC Review 3/4: What Scientists and Skeptics Really Think About Embodied AI: The Sober Voices at WAIC 2026
UCL and HKUST researchers, plus robotics CEOs, challenged embodied AI hype at WAIC 2026, citing generalization limits and no third-party evaluation standard.
US Restrictions on Chinese Humanoid Robots: The Full Map
Every US restriction on Chinese humanoid robots — NDAA Sec. 163, GUARD Act, the 1260H list — plus the supply-chain math and a 4-tier map of decoupling.
The EV Déjà Vu: Why China's Humanoid Robot Blitz May Be Winning the Battle — but Losing the War
China controls 80% of humanoid robot shipments and crushes hardware costs. But is winning the body enough? A deep analysis of the US-China robot war beyond the EV analogy.
Supply Chain Reckoning: Can Boston Dynamics Avoid Becoming the Next iRobot?
A data-driven analysis comparing Boston Dynamics Atlas and Tesla Optimus supply chain strategies in 2026. Examines actuator costs, production ramp speeds, and how Boston Dynamics can avoid iRobot's bankruptcy by adopting a tiered supply chain approach. Includes component cost tables, risk heat maps, and strategic frameworks.
CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | MODULAR, PREFAB & 3D PRINTING
Modular, prefab, and 3D printing are moving construction off-site. ICON's Phoenix printer targets multi-story builds. PERI-COBOD's DREIHAUS delivered 30% faster and 10% cheaper in Germany. WinSun re-enters the US as Gaudi Tech. The paradigm shift is accelerating.
