Chinese fintech leader Ant Group is making strides in the rapidly growing humanoid robotics sector, as indicated by a recent press release and job postings. As a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, which owns the South China Morning Post, Ant’s move aligns with the broader trend of Chinese tech giants heavily investing in the humanoid robotics supply chain, aiming to deploy this technology in factories and homes to replace human labor.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ant Group reaffirmed its commitment to investing in artificial intelligence (AI). In a speech to employees last December, founder Jack Ma emphasized the necessity for the company to embrace technological advancements, predicting that the impact of AI over the next two decades would exceed current expectations.
The company established a new entity named Shanghai Mayi Lingbo Technology at the end of last year, with a registered capital of 100 million yuan (approximately $13.7 million), according to the Tianyancha business registry.
This new venture aims to focus on the research and development of embodied intelligence and technological products, as stated by an Ant representative. Embodied intelligence refers to the integration of AI in physical systems, like robots, enabling them to sense and interact with their environment.
Ant Group is rapidly expanding its workforce to bring on individuals with experience in embodied intelligence. Their official website lists various job openings, including positions for electrical engineers, equipment specialists, and algorithm engineers. Notably, a job listing on the Chinese recruitment platform Zhipin.com offers salaries up to 70,000 yuan per month for a position involving the design of humanoid robot structures.
The Chinese AI industry, spearheaded by companies like Hangzhou-based DeepSeek, has witnessed significant growth, contributing to the expansion of the local humanoid robotics market. According to Morgan Stanley research, China’s humanoid market is projected to reach 12 billion yuan by 2030, with anticipated sales of 1.5 million units.
Of the 100 leading global humanoid robotics firms, 35 are based in mainland China, including notable companies like Baidu and Horizon Robotics. Additionally, electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD and Xpeng, as well as internet giants like Alibaba and Tencent, are identified as key players in this sector. As of late last year, there were approximately 451,700 intelligent robotics companies operating in China, according to state market regulation data.