AI2 Robotics has developed VLA fashions for its AlphaBot 2 robotic. Supply: AI2 Robotics
AI2 Robotics this week reportedly raised CN¥1.2 billion ($144.7 million U.S.) to proceed growing embodied AI. The corporate mentioned it plans to make use of the funding to advance its mannequin towards general-purpose humanoid robots.
Dr. Yangdong Eric Guo based Shenzhen, China-based AI2 Robotics in 2023. The startup (to not be confused with the Allen Institute for AI or Ai2) mentioned its AlphaBot wheeled humanoid robots combine proprietary basis fashions with machine studying and sturdy {hardware}.
“AI² Robotics is dedicated to accelerating the worldwide adoption of general-purpose robots, making them as accessible as good automobiles and smartphones, turning into a common machine for everybody,” mentioned the firm.
AI² Robotics develops VLA mannequin as ‘China’s Tesla’
AI2 Robotics has developed the World and Omni-body vision-language-action (GOVLA) mannequin for “full-space understanding, whole-body coordination, and sophisticated process reasoning.” It mentioned its “knowledge closed-loop + state of affairs compounding” method offers a aggressive benefit.
“Like Tesla, AI² Robotics positions itself as a uncommon developer, producer, and repair supplier of productivity-oriented, general-purpose clever robots — distinct from efficiency or entertainment-focused fashions,” famous Pandaily.
The corporate claimed that its robots are already utilized in retail, public service, biotechnology, and automotive and semiconductor manufacturing functions. AI2 Robotics plans to increase to neighborhood companies, healthcare and elder care, and family companies.
Industrial traders to assist with manufacturing, use circumstances
“Traders within the Collection B fundraiser included web large Baidu, state-owned high-speed prepare producer CRRC, fintech service supplier Yusys Applied sciences, tire maker Sentury Tire, and main brokerage Guotai Haitong Securities,” wrote Yicai World.
The spherical brings AI2 Robotics’ valuation to RMB10 billion ($1.4 billion). Baidu will help in enhancing the startup’s AI capabilities, whereas CRRC will present testing and manufacturing experience, Yicai World added.
“Business companions similar to Yusys Applied sciences and SENTURY are specializing in business deployment situations,” mentioned Pandaily.
AI2 Robotics additionally plans to replace its AlphaBot collection and increase manufacturing from 1,000 items per 12 months in 2025 to 10,000 items this 12 months. Show maker HKC has positioned an order for 1,000 robots, and AI2 CEO Eric Guo instructed Reuters that he hopes to go public in a single to 2 years.
