Chinese humanoid robotics startup co-incubated by Tsinghua University (Jan 2025); deploys Zerith H1 wheeled service humanoids in hotels and commercial venues.
Zerith Robotics (Hefei Zerith Power Robotics Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese humanoid robot startup founded in January 2025 and headquartered in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. The company was co-incubated by Tsinghua University and the Jianghuai Advanced Technology Center, with its founding team drawn from Tsinghua University's Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory, as well as industry professionals from Baidu, ByteDance, iFLYTEK, and Midea Group.
Zerith focuses on the rapid development and commercial deployment of service humanoid robots, leveraging proprietary AI-driven motion design, advanced motion control algorithms, and scene-generalized autonomy methods inspired by autonomous driving research. The company's stated mission is to bridge the gap between academic robotics research and scalable commercial deployment in real-world service environments.
The company's flagship product is the Zerith H1, a wheeled humanoid robot designed for hotel housekeeping and commercial service applications. The H1 stands approximately 1.8 m tall, weighs approximately 55 kg, and is mounted on flexible omnidirectional wheels for smooth navigation through corridors and complex room layouts. It is equipped with two articulated robotic arms for manipulating cleaning tools and handling objects, and uses a sensor suite comprising 3D LiDAR and depth cameras for autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. It runs on the ROS2 framework with reported battery runtime of up to four hours per charge. The H1 can autonomously clean bathrooms (showers, toilets, sinks), vacuum carpets, restock amenity dispensers, and dispose of trash without human intervention. Zerith has also launched the Z1 and dual-arm F1 robot models.
Since entering mass production in late 2025, Zerith has deployed its H1 robots in more than 20 commercial venues across Hefei, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, including airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. The company secured tens of millions of yuan in an angel funding round (2025), followed by a CNY 100+ million Series A round in April 2026 led by Shanghai Precise Packaging Co., Ltd., with participation from Donly, Step Holdings, Baohe Venture Capital, Cowin Capital Group, Waterwood Asset Management, and Zeyi Capital. Zerith's stated delivery target was over 500 humanoid robots in 2025, with multi-million yuan orders already secured.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Wheeled humanoid robot for autonomous hotel housekeeping including bathroom cleaning and amenity restocking.
General-purpose humanoid robot for commercial and service sector deployments.
Contact Zerith Robotics
WEBSITE
https://www.zerith.comHEADQUARTERS
China
Company Facts
Founded
2025
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Researchers have introduced a new framework named BeyondMimic, enabling humanoid robots to execute agile, humanlike movements without the need for separate training for each skill. This system allows robots to perform complex maneuvers such as cartwheels and spin kicks by learning from human motion data, addressing the limitations of current humanoid control systems that often require extensive fine-tuning. The significance of BeyondMimic lies in its ability to teach robots a wide range of skills through a two-stage learning framework. The first stage employs reinforcement learning to track human motions, utilizing a shared reward structure to avoid the need for motion-specific tuning. The second stage introduces a latent diffusion model, allowing the robot to generate and adapt movements based on existing skills, thus overcoming challenges in natural skill transitions. Looking ahead, the BeyondMimic framework demonstrates promising capabilities, such as smoothly transitioning between walking and acrobatics. The potential for integrating waypoint tracking with obstacle avoidance suggests further applications in dynamic environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
InterestingEngineering.com 6 hours ago AI and RoboticsHyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its Georgia plant in 2028, highlighting a significant labor debate between Korea and the US. In Korea, union workers are advocating for job protections amid rising automation concerns, while no organized resistance has emerged in Hyundai's nonunion US factories. The Korean union has raised issues regarding the impact of physical artificial intelligence and robotics during labor negotiations, seeking transparency and safeguards against job losses. Although the union has not outright rejected the technology, a tentative agreement acknowledges the necessity of AI and robotics for Hyundai's competitiveness, emphasizing shared information and joint management of the transition. In contrast, the US lacks a comparable collective response, attributed to the weak presence of organized labor in the South and Hyundai's expanding workforce. Experts question whether the current calm will persist as humanoid robots transition from demonstrations to actual factory operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
KoreaHerald.com 12 hours ago All NewsPhysical AI has emerged as a prominent sector in venture capital, with significant investments aimed at integrating advanced AI tools into robotics. Unitree, a leading Chinese robot manufacturer, recently went public with a valuation of $66 billion, but has since seen its value plummet by nearly 50%. Analysts attribute this decline to the robots' inability to perform value-creating tasks despite advancements in physical capabilities. The Actuate conference showcased the growing interest in AI-driven robotics, with attendance tripling since its inception in 2023. However, the industry faces a critical challenge: a shortage of high-quality training data for AI models. Developers are encouraged to adopt strategies similar to those used in frontier AI labs, focusing on diverse data sets and improved training methodologies to enhance performance. Looking ahead, the autonomous vehicle sector is leading the way in data collection and model development, with companies like Tesla and Wayve investing in humanoid robotics. The debate continues on the best approach to hardware and AI integration, with some experts advocating for co-design strategies to optimize performance in specific applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
TechCrunch 12 hours ago AI Robotics Exclusive physical aiXPeng has successfully raised over $900 million for its robotics division, achieving a post-money valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. This funding marks the largest single-round private capital raise in China's embodied AI sector, with contributions from IDG Capital, Gaorong Ventures, Tencent, and Alibaba. The capital will support the development of robotics hardware and software, training AI models, and expanding production facilities. This financing is crucial as XPeng prepares for the mass production of its IRON humanoid robot, expected to begin by the end of 2026. The IRON robot, designed for various applications, boasts 76 degrees of freedom and is powered by three Turing AI chips, enabling autonomous operation. The initial deployments will occur at XPeng stores and campuses, with a broader commercial launch planned for 2027 in both China and international markets. Looking ahead, XPeng's IRON humanoid robot is positioned as a key player in the global humanoid robotics market. The company's strategy leverages its automotive manufacturing expertise to enhance robotics production, aiming to create a self-reinforcing cycle of data generation and model deployment. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com 12 hours ago Automotive Humanoids News Robotics alibaba china roboticsAGIBOT made a remarkable debut at the World Humanoid Robot Games, securing 18 gold medals and leading both the gold and overall medal tables. The competition featured a diverse range of events, including athletics, martial arts, dance, and practical applications like hotel services and emergency response. This achievement highlights AGIBOT's advanced capabilities in humanoid robotics, showcasing its proficiency in various tasks that mimic real-world scenarios. The competition serves as a platform for innovation in robotics, pushing the boundaries of what humanoid robots can accomplish in both competitive and practical environments. Looking ahead, the success of AGIBOT may influence future developments in humanoid robotics and inspire further participation in international competitions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RoboticsTomorrow.com 12 hours agoThe second World Humanoid Robotics Championships took place from August 22 to 26 at the National Speed Skating Hall in Beijing, featuring 666 teams and 2056 robots from 16 countries. The event expanded significantly, showcasing 51 events including soccer, athletics, and boxing. The Beijing Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center emerged as a major winner, securing 8 gold, 4 silver, and 12 bronze medals, along with setting 4 new world records in various running events. The advancements in humanoid robotics were evident, with notable improvements in performance metrics. For instance, the 100-meter sprint record improved from 20 seconds last year to 9.32 seconds this year. However, challenges were also apparent, as some robots struggled with navigation and control during competitions, leading to humorous mishaps. According to Cao Xu, Vice President of the General Business Department at Zhiyuan, while there are still visible flaws, the rapid development in robotics is promising, especially with ongoing data collection efforts. Looking ahead, the event emphasized the need for robots to transition from competitions to real-world applications. Industry experts believe that while pure athletic capabilities may have limited practical value, foundational technologies like balance control and recovery from falls can be applied in various sectors. With over 40,000 humanoid robots shipped in China in the first half of the year, the evolution of robotics continues to progress, with expectations for further improvements in the coming years.
leaderobot.com 12 hours ago Humanoid Robots Robotics Competitions AI Development Robotic ApplicationsOn August 22, the National Speed Skating Hall hosted the grand opening of the second World Humanoid Robot Games, featuring 666 teams and 2056 robots from 16 countries. The Tian Gong Ultra humanoid robot set a new speed record of 9.32 seconds for the 100-meter dash and achieved a high jump of 2.8843 meters, surpassing human athletic limits. This event signals a significant shift in the robotics industry, showcasing advancements in autonomous capabilities. Key racing events like the 400-meter and 1500-meter races eliminated manual remote control, requiring robots to rely on their sensors for environmental perception, obstacle recognition, and autonomous route planning. While humanoid robots are not yet ready for large-scale human replacement, the integration of competition and production is accelerating the commercialization of technology. As these robots transition from the competition arena to industrial applications, the transformation of the robotics sector is just beginning.
leaderobot.com 12 hours ago Humanoid Robots Robot Autonomy Sports Robotics Industrial AutomationOn August 25, the second World Humanoid Robot Games featured a tug-of-war competition at the National Speed Skating Stadium in Beijing. This new event captivated audiences as it tested not only the robots' strength but also their teamwork and grip capabilities. The lightweight category saw the Xingzhe Taishan team emerge victorious, demonstrating exceptional coordination and stability. The heavyweight competition was even more intense, with the Tiangong team facing off against the Beijing Humanoid-Huake Union team. Both teams showcased their robots' grip and stability in a fierce battle, ultimately leading to Tiangong's triumph due to superior teamwork. The tug-of-war event is significant as it evaluates core robotic abilities, including lower body strength, grip control, and multi-robot collaboration, highlighting any weaknesses in these areas. As humanoid robots evolve from speed to stability and from individual tasks to team challenges, the tug-of-war serves as a critical test of their foundational capabilities for real-world applications. Each match acts as a pressure test for technological maturity, with spectators noting the heightened tension compared to human competitions.
leaderobot.com 12 hours ago Humanoid Robots Robotics Competitions Team Collaboration Grip Strength AIAt a lively private birthday party in the United States, two silver Yushu G1 robots danced on stage, delighting guests. This scene exemplifies Yushu Robotics' overseas rental business, with daily rental fees reaching $3,000, excluding shipping and operator costs. Robonow Global has assembled a fleet of over 50 G1 robots, covering the entire U.S. market. The significance of this rental model lies in its ability to lower ownership costs for businesses and assist in calculating return on investment, as noted by Ethan Qi, Deputy Director at Counterpoint Research. However, the actual tasks performed by these rented robots often focus on entertainment and educational demonstrations rather than industrial applications, indicating a gap in their deployment in manufacturing. Looking ahead, Yushu Robotics' founder Wang Xingxing highlighted the industry's challenge of insufficient embodiment intelligence. He predicts that humanoid robots may achieve capabilities similar to ChatGPT within 2 to 10 years. As of August 25, Yushu's stock price has seen a decline, reflecting market skepticism about the robots' practical applications in production lines, suggesting that significant advancements are still needed before widespread industrial adoption occurs.
leaderobot.com 12 hours ago Service Robots Entertainment Robotics Robot Rental Research and Development Industrial AutomationDuring the second World Humanoid Robot Olympics, unexpected failures highlighted critical reliability issues in robotics, according to Kang Yu, General Manager of the Capital Markets Department at Shoucheng Holdings. She emphasized that the event serves as an extreme test for robots, revealing the challenges they must overcome before mass production. Kang noted that this year's competition featured an increased focus on autonomy, with robots attempting to perceive and understand their environment. However, the complexities of ensuring consistency among multiple robots and maintaining stability during unexpected scenarios remain significant hurdles for the industry. Looking ahead, Kang indicated that Shoucheng Holdings plans to analyze the problems observed during the competition to identify investment opportunities across the robotics supply chain. The company is diversifying its investments beyond humanoid robots to include joints, materials, data, and computational power, emphasizing a holistic approach to developing embodied intelligence in robotics.
leaderobot.com 12 hours ago Humanoid Robots Robot Reliability AI Development Investment Strategy Robotics IndustryRobbyant open-sources LingBot-VLA 2.0, a vision-language-action model trained on 60,000 hours of data for cross-morphology, whole-body robot control.
ByRobotToday Reporter Jul 08, 2026Unitree wins CSRC approval for China’s first humanoid IPO, Korea unveils ₩312T AI investment, RoboCup 2026 opens in Incheon, and Paris launches Europe’s inaugural Physical AI summit.
ByKelly Stone Jul 04, 2026A domain-by-domain competitive benchmark of China versus the international space robotics field — covering on-orbit servicing, lunar ISRU, space station
ByThomas Siew Mar 18, 2026