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Robot Era

Category: Robotics / Embodied AI

Robot Era develops embodied AI models and humanoid robots focused on advanced dexterity and task execution, including the ERA-42 model for five-fingered hand control and XHand for object manipulation. Robot Era was founded in 2023. The company is led by Chen Jianyu. Based in Beijing, China. Team size: 100-500. Total funding raised: ~¥1.03B (~$150M) total. Latest round: Series A+ (~¥1B/~$140M, Nov 2025 led by Geely). Key investors include ["Geely Capital (Series A+ lead investor)","BAIC Capital (Series A+ strategic investor)","Alibaba Group","Haier Capital","CDH Investments","Meridian Capital","Crystal Stream Capital","Beijing AI Industry Investment Fund","Beijing Robot Industry Development Investment Fund"].

Founded
2023
Headquarters
Beijing, China
Team size
100-500
Total funding
~¥1.03B (~$150M) total

Value proposition

Pioneering end-to-end embodied AI models (e.g., ERA-42) that enable humanoid robots to perform complex tasks with human-like precision, combined with Tsinghua University's academic expertise

Products and solutions

["ERA-42 (dexterous hand AI model)","XBot-L (humanoid robot with XHand)","Xingdong L7 (full-size bipedal humanoid robot)","Xingdong Q5 (service robot)","Xingdong XHAND1 (five-finger dexterous hand)","Custom AI solutions for industrial automation"]

Unique value

First company to develop an end-to-end embodied AI model for dexterous robotic hands (ERA-42), enabling over 100 intricate tasks. Pioneered humanoid robots capable of challenging physical feats (e.g., climbing the Great Wall). Only humanoid robotics company with Tsinghua University equity backing.

Target customer

Industries requiring advanced automation (manufacturing, logistics, healthcare) and research institutions seeking cutting-edge robotics solutions

Industries served

["Manufacturing","Healthcare","Logistics","Research & Development","Automotive","3C Manufacturing","Commercial Services","Home Care"]

Technology advantage

Integration of reinforcement learning and tactile feedback systems for real-time adaptability. 95%+ hardware self-development rate covering joints, dexterous hands, motors, reducers, and controllers. Strategic partnership with Tsinghua University for AI robotics R&D.

How they differentiate

Robot Era differentiates through its proprietary ERA-42 embodied AI model for dexterous hand control, academic partnerships with Tsinghua University, 95%+ self-developed hardware components, and achievements like the first humanoid robot to climb the Great Wall

Main competitors

["UBTech","Boston Dynamics","Tesla Optimus","Agility Robotics","1X Technologies"]

Key partnerships

["Tsinghua University (research collaboration and equity holder)","Geely Capital (strategic investor)","BAIC Capital (strategic investor)","Alibaba Group (investor)","CDH Investments (investor)","Haier Capital (investor)","UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)"]

Notable customers

["Geely","Renault","SF Express","TCL","Haier","Lenovo"]

Major milestones

["Developed ERA-42, the world's first end-to-end embodied AI model for dexterous hands","Humanoid robot became the first to climb the Great Wall","Founded by Tsinghua University researchers with academic equity","Raised nearly $140 million in Series A+ funding (November 2025)","Secured $70 million in commercial orders for 2025","Partnerships with UNIDO and major industry players","Over 95% hardware self-development rate"]

Growth metrics

$70 million in commercial orders for 2025, over 200 units delivered in 2025, total order value exceeding $70 million

Market positioning

Positioned as an innovator in embodied AI and humanoid robotics, targeting industrial and service sectors with advanced AI-integrated solutions. Strong presence in China with expanding global reach

Geographic focus

Primarily China (Beijing headquarters) with strategic partnerships with international companies like Renault and expanding global market presence

Patents and IP

No publicly disclosed patents as of 2025; focus on proprietary AI algorithms and hardware-software integration rather than traditional IP filings

About Chen Jianyu

Assistant Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Tsinghua University's Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences. Previously conducted research at UC Berkeley in reinforcement learning, robotics, and autonomous systems. Former student of National Academy of Engineering member Masayoshi Tomizuka.

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