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| Developer | Lanxin Robotics (Hangzhou Lanxin Technology Co., Ltd.) |
| Type | Humanoid robot (wheeled base) |
| Unveiled | August 23, 2024 |
| Event | 2024 World Robot Conference, Beijing |
| Country of origin | China |
| Height | 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Arm span | 2 m |
| Lifting range | 0.72 to 1.2 m (vertical) |
| Single-hand payload | 2 kg |
| Navigation | 3D Pure Vision (no LiDAR) |
| Status | In production |
| Website | lanxinrobotics.com |
VersaBot VB-1 is a humanoid robot developed by Lanxin Robotics (formally Hangzhou Lanxin Technology Co., Ltd.), a Chinese robotics company headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Officially unveiled on August 23, 2024, at the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, VersaBot VB-1 was introduced as the world's first "pure vision" humanoid robot, meaning it relies entirely on computer vision and RGB-D cameras for navigation, obstacle avoidance, and object manipulation rather than using LiDAR sensors. The robot adopts a wheeled mobile base rather than bipedal legs, with a humanoid upper body featuring dual arms and gripper-style hands, and it is designed primarily for manufacturing logistics, material handling, and smart factory applications.
VersaBot VB-1 is the first humanoid robot produced by Lanxin Robotics, a company that had previously focused on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and 3D vision sensors for industrial logistics. The robot represents Lanxin's entry into the competitive humanoid robotics market and serves as the foundation for the company's subsequent humanoid platforms, the VB1-I and VB2.
Lanxin Robotics was founded in 2016 by Dr. Gao Yong, who holds a doctorate in pattern recognition and artificial intelligence from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Before founding Lanxin, Dr. Gao worked at Ricoh Japan and the Microsoft Asia Engineering Institute on computer vision products. The company's core founding team includes researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Zhejiang University, with approximately 50% of staff dedicated to research and development.[1][2]
The company is headquartered at China Artificial Intelligence Town in Hangzhou and was the first company in China to develop 3D visual perception technology specifically for mobile robots and achieve large-scale commercial deployment of the technology. Lanxin operates under an organizational framework the company describes as "one body and two wings": the main body is mobile robot systems, while the two wings are the MRDVS sensor division and the VMR robot development division.[3]
By 2024, Lanxin had accumulated 156 national patents, including 41 invention patents. The company reported a compound annual revenue growth rate exceeding 80% from 2019 to 2024. In 2022, Lanxin was listed among Hangzhou's quasi-unicorn companies. In 2024, it was recognized as a national-level specialized and new "little giant" enterprise by the Chinese government.[2][4]
Notable clients for Lanxin's mobile robot and logistics solutions include Huawei, ZTE, BYD, Midea, Toshiba, Foxconn, and COMAC, with deployments spanning the 3C electronics, semiconductor, photovoltaic, battery, automotive, and packaging industries.[1][5]
Lanxin Robotics has completed multiple rounds of financing since its founding. According to Crunchbase, the company raised a total of $15.83 million in disclosed funding as of its Series C round. Key investors include Tencent, Kunpeng Capital, Lanchi Ventures, Advantech Capital, Envision Capital, and Blue Horizon Capital.[6][7]
On May 7, 2025, Lanxin officially announced the completion of its C+ round of financing, led by Kunpeng Fund, with the total financing amount reported to be in the hundreds of millions of yuan. The company stated that the new capital would fund humanoid robot AI advancement and supply chain expansion across its two manufacturing bases in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Gui'an New District, Guizhou Province.[3][7]
Lanxin has placed an initial public offering (IPO) on its agenda and is expected to pursue listing as what it has described as the "first stock of 3D visual perception robots" in China.[3][7]
At the heart of Lanxin's product ecosystem is the proprietary LX-MRDVS (Lanxin Mobile Robot Deep Vision System), a 3D visual perception platform that enables mobile robots to navigate, avoid obstacles, and manipulate objects using depth vision rather than laser-based localization. The system was selected into Zhejiang Province's "Pioneer" and "Leading Goose" R&D and key research plans in 2023.[8]
The MRDVS sensor lineup is divided into four product series:[2]
| Series | Function | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| S-Series | Obstacle detection | Multi-modal identification of suspended and low-lying obstacles |
| M-Series | High-precision docking | 0.1 to 1.5 m working range |
| V-Series | Navigation | 12 m range with proprietary top-view technology |
| H-Series | Structural light cameras | ±0.1 mm measurement accuracy |
Dr. Gao Yong has drawn an analogy between Lanxin's vision-only approach and Tesla's sensor strategy evolution in autonomous driving, arguing that deep vision technology will replace laser-based methods by providing greater flexibility and intelligence at lower cost.[2]
VersaBot VB-1 was officially launched on August 23, 2024, during the 8th World Robot Conference (WRC 2024), held from August 21 to 25 at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center. The event is one of the largest robotics conferences and exhibitions in the world, organized under the guidance of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.[9]
Lanxin positioned VersaBot as a groundbreaking product that would "redefine the path of intelligent upgrades in the manufacturing industry." The company emphasized that the robot integrates multi-dimensional perception, dynamic decision-making, and autonomous learning capabilities, all driven by its pure vision approach without any laser LiDAR components.[9]
The VersaBot VB-1's 3D vision system was separately recognized at the World Robot Conference, where it was selected as a top "Investment and Innovation Star" project.[2]
Unlike many competitors in the humanoid robotics space that use bipedal locomotion, VersaBot VB-1 uses a wheeled mobile base combined with a humanoid upper body. This hybrid design prioritizes stability and reliability in structured indoor environments such as factory floors and warehouses over the ability to traverse stairs or uneven terrain. The wheeled base provides smooth, continuous movement in industrial settings while the humanoid torso, dual arms, and gripper hands allow the robot to perform manipulation tasks that conventional mobile robots cannot.[9][10]
The robot stands approximately 1.6 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall and has an arm span of 2 meters. The arms feature a free vertical lifting range of 0.72 to 1.2 meters, allowing VersaBot to reach shelves and workstations at various heights. Each hand uses a gripper design with a single-hand load capacity of 2 kg.[10]
The defining technical characteristic of VersaBot VB-1 is its reliance on vision-only sensing for all navigation and perception tasks. The robot uses self-developed RGB-D cameras rather than laser LiDAR to build maps, localize itself, and avoid obstacles. This approach eliminates the need for manual markers, reflectors, or magnetic strips that many traditional AMR systems require.[9]
The primary navigation camera provides the following specifications:[9][10]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 270 x 70 degrees |
| Resolution | 1608 x 280 pixels |
| Frame rate | 10 fps |
| Sensing range | Up to 30 meters |
| Data output | Real-time RGB and 3D point cloud |
The navigation camera intelligently captures natural features of the three-dimensional environment and converts depth images into point cloud maps. This allows VersaBot to operate in environments without any pre-installed infrastructure or visual markers.[9]
For precision grasping and object manipulation, VersaBot VB-1 is equipped with a high-precision dual-lens RGB-D and depth multimodal camera mounted on the robot's chest. This camera system provides:[10]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement range | 300 to 600 mm |
| Field of view | 110 x 90 degrees |
| Recognition accuracy | ±0.1 mm at 350 mm distance |
| Computing power | 6 TOPS (onboard) |
The chest-mounted camera enables high-precision object positioning for tasks such as loading, unloading, picking, and placement operations. The ±0.1 mm accuracy at close range is particularly significant for manufacturing applications where component placement tolerances are tight.[10]
VersaBot VB-1 features a 360-degree visual obstacle avoidance system consisting of four cameras positioned around the robot's body. These cameras detect obstacles within a working distance of 0.2 to 4 meters and are capable of identifying challenging objects such as black surfaces and high-reflective materials that can confuse simpler sensor systems.[9]
The obstacle avoidance system uses advanced semantic recognition algorithms that provide obstacle information including distance measurements and object classification. The system can intelligently distinguish between dynamic obstacles (such as moving workers) and static obstacles (such as equipment or walls), switching between stop and bypass strategies accordingly.[9]
VersaBot VB-1 is powered by VMR's self-developed core controller, which the company describes as the "brain" of the robot. The controller has been continually optimized using vast amounts of operational data collected from Lanxin's fleet of industrial mobile robots deployed across hundreds of customer sites. According to Lanxin, this data-driven optimization ensures more reliable and stable operations, with superior business logic and task execution algorithms compared to controllers that have not benefited from large-scale deployment experience.[9]
The following table summarizes the verified technical specifications of VersaBot VB-1 based on manufacturer disclosures and official press materials.
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Height | 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Physical | Arm span | 2 m |
| Manipulation | Vertical lifting range | 0.72 to 1.2 m |
| Manipulation | Single-hand payload | 2 kg |
| Manipulation | Hand type | Gripper |
| Navigation camera | Field of view | 270 x 70 degrees |
| Navigation camera | Resolution | 1608 x 280 pixels |
| Navigation camera | Frame rate | 10 fps |
| Navigation camera | Sensing range | 30 m |
| Chest camera | Measurement range | 300 to 600 mm |
| Chest camera | Field of view | 110 x 90 degrees |
| Chest camera | Accuracy | ±0.1 mm at 350 mm |
| Chest camera | Computing | 6 TOPS |
| Obstacle avoidance | Working distance | 0.2 to 4 m |
| Obstacle avoidance | Coverage | 360 degrees (four cameras) |
| Mobility | Base type | Wheeled (mobile base) |
| Navigation | Method | 3D Pure Vision (RGB-D, no LiDAR) |
VersaBot VB-1 is designed for industrial and manufacturing environments where its combination of autonomous navigation and manipulation capabilities can replace or augment human labor in repetitive logistics tasks. The robot's primary application areas include:[9][10]
Mobile handling: VersaBot can autonomously transport materials between workstations, storage areas, and production lines. Its wheeled base provides stable, continuous movement through factory aisles.
Mobile grasping: Using its dual arms and vision-guided gripper hands, the robot can pick items from bins, shelves, or conveyor systems and place them at designated locations.
Precise loading and unloading: The high-precision chest camera (±0.1 mm accuracy) enables VersaBot to load and unload components with the precision required for manufacturing processes such as SMT (surface-mount technology) board loading.
Efficient sorting: VersaBot can identify, classify, and sort items based on visual recognition, combining its navigation capabilities with manipulation to move items between different zones in a facility.
Lanxin has highlighted that VersaBot is intended to serve as a platform for intelligent upgrades in the manufacturing industry, bridging the gap between conventional mobile robots (which can transport but not manipulate) and fully bipedal humanoids (which remain expensive and fragile for continuous industrial use).[9]
VersaBot VB-1 is the first in a lineup of humanoid robots from Lanxin Robotics. The company has subsequently introduced two additional models.
The VB1-I is described as an improved iteration of the VersaBot platform. Unlike the wheeled VB-1, the VB1-I is a full-scale bipedal humanoid robot that stands upright, walks on two legs, and uses dual arms for manipulation. The VB1-I focuses on experimentation and development, supporting logistics trials, factory simulations, and embodied AI research. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, making it suitable for long-term research projects.[11]
The VB2 is Lanxin's most advanced humanoid platform. According to the company's official product page, the VB2 has dimensions of 580 x 480 x 1700 mm (making it approximately 1.7 meters tall), uses a four-wheel omnidirectional driving mode, and achieves a maximum speed of 1.2 m/s. It features 7-joint arms with a gripping load capacity of 5 kg, a Panoramic RGB-D Depth Vision System, 3D Laser SLAM navigation, a battery life of 4 to 6 hours, and operates in temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. The VB2 also includes what Lanxin calls a "Multimodal AI Interaction Hub."[12]
| Feature | VersaBot VB-1 | VB1-I | VB2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Wheeled base | Bipedal | Four-wheel omnidirectional |
| Height | 1.6 m | Approximately 1.65 m | 1.7 m |
| Navigation | 3D Pure Vision (no LiDAR) | 3D Pure Vision | 3D Laser SLAM |
| Arm joints | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 7 |
| Payload (per hand) | 2 kg | Not disclosed | 5 kg |
| Battery life | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 4 to 6 hours |
| Primary focus | Industrial manufacturing | Research and embodied AI | Embodied AI and industrial |
| Unveiled | August 2024 | 2024/2025 | 2025 |
Notably, the VB2 uses 3D Laser SLAM navigation rather than the pure-vision approach that characterized the VB-1. This suggests that Lanxin may be offering different navigation technologies suited to different deployment scenarios rather than committing exclusively to the vision-only paradigm for all products.
VersaBot VB-1 entered the humanoid robotics market during a period of intense activity, particularly among Chinese companies. China's humanoid robot market is projected to reach 75 billion yuan by 2029, making up roughly 32.7% of the global market. Chinese firms dominated global humanoid robot shipments in 2025, with companies such as AgiBot (which shipped an estimated 5,168 units), Unitree Robotics, and UBTech leading in volume.[13][14]
VersaBot VB-1 occupies a distinct niche in this landscape. While most high-profile humanoid robots (such as Tesla Optimus, Figure AI's Figure 02, and Boston Dynamics' electric Atlas) are fully bipedal general-purpose platforms, VersaBot VB-1 uses a wheeled base optimized for industrial logistics. This approach sacrifices terrain versatility for immediate practical reliability in factory environments.
Lanxin's vision-only approach also differentiates VersaBot from most competitors. The majority of mobile robots and humanoids in the industrial space rely on LiDAR for localization and mapping. By eliminating LiDAR, Lanxin claims cost advantages and simpler deployment, though the approach may face limitations in environments where passive vision alone cannot provide sufficient depth accuracy.
Other notable Chinese humanoid robot companies active during the same period include Fourier Intelligence (GR-1, GR-2), Robot Era (Star1), UBTECH (Walker S1, Walker S2), EngineAI (SE01, PM01), and Xiaomi (CyberOne).[14]