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| Company name | Beijing Phybot Technology Co., Ltd. (北京动易人工智能科技有限公司) |
| Trade name | PHYBOT (动易科技) |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Robotics, Embodied AI |
| Founded | September 2024 |
| Founders | Ren Xiaoyu (任晓雨, CEO), Mao Shuhan (毛书翰) |
| Headquarters | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturing | Guangzhou, China (Pazhou AI and Digital Economy Pilot Zone) |
| Products | Humanoid robots, cycloidal joint modules, AI motion control software |
| Key technology | PhyArc cycloidal drive actuators |
| Total funding | 200+ million yuan (~$28 million USD) |
| R&D staff ratio | Over 85% |
| Motto | "Robot for AI" |
| Website | phybot.tech |
PHYBOT (Chinese: 动易科技), formally Beijing Phybot Technology Co., Ltd., is a Chinese robotics company specializing in humanoid robots and embodied AI systems. Founded in September 2024 by Tsinghua University alumni Ren Xiaoyu and Mao Shuhan, the company develops general-purpose humanoid robots, proprietary cycloidal drive actuators, and AI-driven motion control software. PHYBOT operates under the motto "Robot for AI," reflecting its philosophy that purpose-built robotic hardware is essential for bridging the gap between cognitive artificial intelligence and physical embodied intelligence.[1][2][3]
The company gained international attention in 2025 when its flagship PHYBOT M1 humanoid robot performed a full standing backflip, a feat PHYBOT claims makes the M1 the first full-size electric humanoid to achieve a human-like backflip. The M1's proprietary PhyArc cycloidal drive actuators deliver a peak joint torque of 530 Nm with a torque density of 200 Nm/kg, placing PHYBOT among the most power-dense electric humanoid platforms on the market.[4][5][6]
As of early 2026, PHYBOT had completed over 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million USD) in cumulative angel-round financing across three rounds, opened a smart manufacturing center in Guangzhou, launched an open-source AI motion control model called PhyCore, and expanded its product lineup to four robot platforms spanning industrial, service, and mobility applications.[3][7][8]
PHYBOT was established in September 2024 by Ren Xiaoyu and Mao Shuhan, who were roommates in the mechanical engineering program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Before founding PHYBOT, Ren worked on humanoid robot algorithms at UBTECH Robotics in Shenzhen and served as Algorithm Director and senior motion control lead at Fourier Intelligence in Shanghai, giving him direct experience with two of China's most established humanoid robotics firms. Mao Shuhan holds dual degrees in engineering and finance and brings investment banking experience to the company's business operations.[2][5][9]
The founders' combined expertise in mechanical engineering, motion control, and business strategy shaped PHYBOT's vertically integrated development approach. The company emphasizes full-stack proprietary development, from actuator hardware and mechanical design to motion control algorithms and AI software, with no reliance on open-source robotics frameworks. PHYBOT has described this philosophy as avoiding "technical crutches," aiming instead to build a technological moat comparable to the approaches taken by Tesla and AgiBot.[2][5]
The company's research team draws talent from Tsinghua University, Beihang University, the Southern University of Science and Technology, UCLA, and UCSD, with research and development personnel accounting for over 85% of total staff. The core team is recognized for leading capabilities in reinforcement learning algorithms and full-size humanoid robot motion control.[9]
PHYBOT made its first major public appearances at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in July 2025 and the World Robot Conference (WRC) in Beijing in August 2025. At these events, the company showcased its PHYBOT M1 humanoid robot, the PHYBOT C1 compact companion robot, and its PhyArc series of cycloidal joint modules. The M1's demonstration of a standing backflip drew significant media attention and established PHYBOT as a notable newcomer in the humanoid robotics field.[4][10][11]
At the 2025 World Robot Conference, PHYBOT received the "2025 China's Most Investable Robot Companies TOP 20" award, evaluated based on commercialization progress, product maturity, and technological leadership.[11]
PHYBOT has raised capital across three angel-stage financing rounds since its founding:
| Round | Date | Lead Investor(s) | Notable Co-investors | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angel | Late 2024 | Fengrui Capital, Z Fund (Zhipu Ecosystem Fund) | N/A | Tens of millions of yuan |
| Angel+ | Early 2025 | Qingzhi Capital | Puchao Capital, Fengrui Capital (follow-on), Z Fund (follow-on), Linge Ventures, Xinyada, Ginkgo Valley Capital, Tsinghua Alumni Seed Fund | Over 100 million yuan |
| Angel++ | January 2026 | Multiple | Haizhu City Development, Guangzhou Industry Investment, Jinyu Maowu, Xichuangtou, Jinshajiang United, Datai Capital, Fuzhuo Investment; Puchao Capital (follow-on) | Over 200 million yuan (~$28M USD) |
The Angel round in late 2024 was co-led by Fengrui Capital and Z Fund (the Zhipu Ecosystem Fund, linked to AI company Zhipu AI). The Angel+ round, which brought the total past 100 million yuan, was led by Qingzhi Capital with participation from multiple existing investors and the Tsinghua Alumni Seed Fund. In January 2026, PHYBOT completed its Angel++ round, bringing cumulative angel-stage funding to over 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million USD). The Angel++ round added Guangzhou-based government-backed funds and private equity investors as the company established its manufacturing base in the Pearl River Delta region.[3][8][9]
The company announced plans to deploy the capital toward three priorities: deepening technology research and development around its general-purpose humanoid robots and core joint module technologies, accelerating product-scale commercialization and delivery, and expanding its global presence. PHYBOT had also secured partnership agreements with several leading industry clients by that time, with products entering pilot verification phases.[3]
On February 6, 2026, PHYBOT officially opened its smart manufacturing center in Guangzhou's Pazhou AI and Digital Economy Pilot Zone, establishing a wholly owned subsidiary in the city. This facility represents the company's "dual-engine" strategy, with Beijing serving as the advanced research and development hub while Guangzhou handles engineering implementation and mass production. Co-founder Mao Shuhan described Guangzhou as offering "good soil for robot enterprises to achieve innovative development," citing the Pearl River Delta's complete robot industry chain, hundreds of component suppliers and system integrators, mature automotive supply chains with relevant component expertise, and diverse application scenarios across manufacturing, logistics, commerce, and healthcare.[7][12]
At the Guangzhou launch event, PHYBOT also unveiled two new announcements: the PHYBOT C2 service robot (its first mass-production humanoid) and PhyCore 0.1, an open-source AI motion control model.[7]
The defining technology behind PHYBOT's product lineup is the PhyArc series of integrated cycloidal drive joint modules, developed entirely in-house and now in their third generation. Unlike the harmonic drives used in more than 90% of humanoid robot joint modules on the market, PHYBOT opted for cycloidal gear actuators, a mechanical system traditionally reserved for heavy-duty industrial robots. The decision to build around cycloidal drives is the company's core technical bet and the basis of its competitive differentiation.[4][5][13]
Cycloidal drives transfer motion by distributing forces across multiple rolling contact points rather than relying on a single gear tooth. This design provides several advantages over harmonic drives for a humanoid robot that must handle high-impact dynamic loads:[13][14]
| Property | PhyArc Cycloidal Drive | Harmonic Drive (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Torque capacity | Higher (multi-point rolling contact) | Moderate (single-tooth engagement) |
| Peak torque (PHYBOT M1) | 530 N*m | Varies by model |
| Torque density | 200 N*m/kg | Lower |
| Shock resistance | 5x overload capacity | Lower tolerance |
| Backlash | 1 arcminute | Very low (<1 arcminute typical) |
| Reverse drive torque | Below 1 N*m | Higher |
| Efficiency | 85-92% | 70-85% |
| Durability | Higher (rolling contact, less wear) | Moderate (sliding friction) |
| Weight (minimum module) | 0.2 kg | Varies |
The PhyArc actuators uniquely combine what PHYBOT calls "high torque, high precision, and low reverse drive force" in a single compact package. Each module integrates a self-developed cycloidal reducer with a built-in cross-roller bearing, a torque motor, drive electronics, and dual encoders. The communication architecture uses a proprietary hybrid Ethernet + CAN FD system supporting bandwidths exceeding 100 Mbps and delivering hard real-time communication at over 1 kHz. The company has described six core performance advantages: lightweight design, high burst output, impact resistance, precision, low back-drivability, and high-frequency communication.[10][11][15]
The PhyArc product line includes at least six models, with two primary variants optimized for different applications:[10][11]
Rated torque across the product line ranges from 3 to 150 N*m, with rated voltages spanning 24 to 72 V and rated speeds of 80 to 100 RPM. Repeat positioning accuracy is better than 1 arcminute across all models.[15]
PHYBOT markets the PhyArc modules not only as components of its own robots but also as standalone products for use in quadruped robots, robotic arms, exoskeletons, and other intelligent hardware systems.[10][11]
The tradeoff of PHYBOT's approach is that cycloidal drives have not been fully validated by the broader market for humanoid applications. Harmonic drives remain the preferred choice for most high-end humanoid robots due to their proven track record and extremely low backlash. PHYBOT's bet on cycloidal technology is a calculated gamble that the advantages in strength, durability, and shock resistance will outweigh the risks of adopting a less established approach in the humanoid segment.[14]
On the software side, PHYBOT has developed what it calls a "General Motion Control Model" using an end-to-end architecture that outputs joint commands directly from high-level task instructions without subdividing tasks into subtasks. This approach is designed to enhance motion generalization and robustness, allowing robots to adapt to a wider range of physical tasks in unstructured environments without extensive per-task programming. The model reflects PHYBOT's emphasis on AI-native design, where hardware is engineered from the ground up to work in concert with learned motion policies rather than being retrofitted with AI capabilities after the fact.[3][9][10]
The company's development workflow begins with reinforcement learning validation in simulation before proceeding to physical implementation, inverting the traditional robotics development sequence where hardware is designed first and software is layered on afterward. PHYBOT argues this native hardware-software synergy, combining simulation verification, structural optimization, and algorithm training into a complete closed loop, produces robots that are better suited for learning-based control and real-world adaptation.[10][11]
In February 2026, PHYBOT released PhyCore 0.1, an AI motion control large model built on reinforcement learning adversarial training. The company announced that PhyCore would be completely open-source with permanently free access for basic functions and continuous iteration over time. PhyCore is intended to address fundamental robot movement control challenges and become the standard motion control system equipped on all PHYBOT robots.[7]
The decision to open-source PhyCore reflects a strategy to build a developer ecosystem around PHYBOT's hardware platforms, positioning PHYBOT alongside other Chinese robotics companies that have embraced open-source approaches, such as Unitree Robotics with its open developer ecosystem. PHYBOT differentiates through the integration of reinforcement learning specifically for physical motion control rather than general-purpose robot programming.
PHYBOT's product lineup spans four distinct robot platforms, each applying the company's core PhyArc actuator technology to different market segments and use cases. The company is focused on accelerating commercialization and delivery of the M1, C2, and D1 across industrial handling, emergency response, life services, and scientific research education scenarios.
| Product | Type | Height | Weight | DOF | Key Specifications | Target Applications | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYBOT M1 | Full-size bipedal humanoid | 172 cm | <60 kg | 32+ | 530 N*m torque, backflip capable, 10+ kW peak power, 2+ hr battery | Industrial, logistics, disaster response, research | Under $42,000 |
| PHYBOT C1 | Compact bipedal humanoid | 128 cm | 28 kg | 25+ | 244 N*m torque, HD projection, breathing light strip, 4+ hr battery | Home, education, elderly care, retail | ~$22,000 |
| PHYBOT C2 | Agile service humanoid | 135 cm | 35 kg | 25+ | 5 kg dual-arm payload, 4 m/s speed, LED emotion strips, projection module | Commercial guidance, education, home companionship | Not disclosed |
| PHYBOT D1 | Four-wheeled-foot robot | N/A | N/A | 12 PhyArc joints | 500 kg max payload, 210 kg dynamic payload, 45-degree slopes, 85 cm platforms | Logistics, delivery, extreme terrain, emergency response | Not disclosed |
The PHYBOT M1 is the company's flagship product: a full-size, electrically driven humanoid robot standing 172 cm tall and weighing under 60 kg. The M1 is designed for physically demanding tasks in industrial, logistics, and disaster response environments. It features 32+ degrees of freedom, a peak joint torque of 530 N*m, peak instantaneous power output exceeding 10 kilowatts, a dual 9 Ah swappable battery system providing over 2 hours of runtime, and a hybrid computing architecture pairing an NVIDIA Jetson Orin with an Intel Core i7 processor. The dual-arm payload capacity ranges from 10 to 20 kg, with a modular backpack system capable of carrying over 50 kg.[4][5][6]
The M1 gained worldwide attention for performing a full standing backflip followed by a precision "superman" landing, which PHYBOT claims makes it the first full-size electric humanoid robot to achieve this feat. With a target price under $42,000, the M1 is positioned as both a research-grade platform and an industrial workhorse that undercuts many competitors on cost.[4][5][6]
For a detailed technical breakdown, see the full article on PHYBOT M1.
The PHYBOT C1 is a compact humanoid robot standing 128 cm tall and weighing 28 kg, designed for social interaction, companionship, and light-duty assistance in indoor environments. The C1 is notable for being one of the first small humanoid robots to incorporate cycloidal gear actuators, achieving a maximum joint torque of 244 N*m. It features an advanced imaging module for multimodal interaction, an HD projection system capable of displaying information directly in front of the user, and a dynamic breathing light strip for visual feedback and emotional expression cues. The removable battery provides over 4 hours of runtime with modular quick-swap support. The C1 targets a price point of approximately $22,000.[16][17]
For a detailed technical breakdown, see the full article on PHYBOT C1.
The PHYBOT C2 is the company's first mass-production humanoid robot, unveiled at the Guangzhou manufacturing center launch event in February 2026. Described as "a service robot with warmth," the C2 is an agile humanoid designed specifically for commercial service environments. At 135 cm tall and 35 kg, the C2 is slightly larger and heavier than the C1. It features 25+ degrees of freedom, a 5 kg dual-arm payload capacity, a movement speed of 4 m/s, and support for emotional interaction LED strips and projection modules. Target applications include commercial navigation and guidance, educational research, and home companionship. The C2 is designed to "open new scenarios without existing solutions" rather than replace existing jobs. It represents PHYBOT's initial push toward high-volume manufacturing and commercial deployment.[7][8]
The PHYBOT D1 is a four-wheeled-foot hybrid robot that represents the company's expansion beyond bipedal humanoid form factors. The D1 applies PHYBOT's core actuator technology to an all-terrain mobility platform, equipped with 12 PhyArc 150 joint modules. The robot is designed for extreme payload and terrain capabilities that far exceed those of the company's bipedal humanoids:[8]
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Joint modules | 12x PhyArc 150 |
| Maximum static payload | 500 kg |
| Dynamic payload | 210 kg |
| Maximum slope angle | 45 degrees |
| Maximum step height | 85 cm |
| Target environments | Mountain roads, ruins, extreme terrain |
| Applications | Logistics, cargo transport, emergency response |
The D1's 500 kg maximum payload and ability to conquer 45-degree slopes and 85 cm high platforms position it for applications in extreme environments such as disaster zones, mountainous terrain, and heavy-duty logistics. The four-wheeled-foot design combines the stability and speed of wheeled locomotion with the terrain adaptability of legged systems.[8]
In addition to its complete robot platforms, PHYBOT sells PhyArc cycloidal joint modules as standalone components for third-party developers and researchers. These modules are marketed for use in humanoid robots, quadruped robots, robotic arms, exoskeletons, and other intelligent hardware systems. By offering its core actuator technology as a separate product line, PHYBOT creates an additional revenue stream and broadens the installed base for its technology.[10][11]
PHYBOT operates in the rapidly expanding global humanoid robotics market, competing with both established players and well-funded startups. The company differentiates itself primarily through its cycloidal drive actuator technology, high torque output, and aggressive pricing strategy.
| Company | Robot(s) | Headquarters | Key Differentiator | Funding/Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYBOT | M1, C1, C2, D1 | Beijing, China | Cycloidal drives, 530 N*m torque, <$42K price | 200M+ yuan |
| UBTECH Robotics | Walker S2 | Shenzhen, China | Mass production, automotive deployment, IPO (HKEx) | Public (HKEX: 9880) |
| Unitree Robotics | H1, G1, H2 | Hangzhou, China | Speed records, open ecosystem, high volume (~5,500 units in 2025) | ~$7B target (IPO planned) |
| AgiBot | A2 series | Shanghai, China | Largest shipment volume (~5,168 units in 2025), 39% global share | ~$6B target (IPO planned) |
| Fourier Intelligence | GR-2 | Shanghai, China | Rehabilitation heritage, high DOF (53), open platform | Private |
| Tesla | Optimus | Austin, USA | Dexterity, mass production scale, $20-30K target price | Part of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) |
| Boston Dynamics | Atlas (electric) | Waltham, USA | Dynamic agility, decades of R&D, Hyundai backing | Subsidiary of Hyundai |
| Figure AI | Figure 02 | Sunnyvale, USA | Helix VLA AI, BMW factory deployment, $39B valuation | ~$2.6B+ raised |
PHYBOT's primary competitive advantages include:
The company faces several challenges common to new entrants in the humanoid robotics market:
PHYBOT is part of a rapidly expanding Chinese humanoid robotics ecosystem that has attracted significant government support and venture capital. The Chinese government has identified humanoid robots as a strategic technology and included them in national development plans, driving substantial investment into the sector. In 2025, Chinese companies accounted for nearly 90% of global humanoid robot shipments by volume, with firms like AgiBot, Unitree Robotics, and UBTECH Robotics leading in production and delivery.[18][19]
PHYBOT's September 2024 founding and rapid development timeline (moving from incorporation to functioning prototype with backflip capability in roughly one year) reflects the intense pace of development in China's humanoid robotics industry. The company's founders' backgrounds at UBTECH Robotics and Fourier Intelligence illustrate the talent circulation within this ecosystem, as experienced engineers leave established firms to launch startups with differentiated technical approaches.[2][5]
PHYBOT is one of many robotics and AI companies with roots in Tsinghua University, one of China's leading research universities. The broader Tsinghua alumni network has produced founders and senior engineers across numerous robotics and AI startups, and several Tsinghua-affiliated investment funds (including the Tsinghua Alumni Seed Fund) have participated in PHYBOT's funding rounds. PHYBOT draws research talent from Tsinghua and other top institutions including Beihang University, the Southern University of Science and Technology, UCLA, and UCSD. This academic-industry connection provides PHYBOT with access to research talent, technical collaboration opportunities, and a network of potential investors and partners.[2][3][9]
PHYBOT's angel round was co-led by the Z Fund, the ecosystem investment fund associated with Zhipu AI, one of China's leading large language model companies. This investment reflects a growing trend of AI software companies investing in robotics hardware startups to create integrated AI-robotics ecosystems. The connection to Zhipu AI's ecosystem could provide PHYBOT with access to advanced AI models and capabilities for integration into its robot platforms.[9]
Globally, the humanoid robot market was projected to grow from approximately $2.92 billion in 2025 to $15.26 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 39.2%. In the first half of 2025 alone, $3.1 billion was invested across 61 venture deals in the humanoid robotics sector worldwide, exceeding the $2.9 billion invested in the entire period from 2010 to 2024. This rapid growth in investment and market size provides a favorable backdrop for PHYBOT's commercialization efforts.[20][21]
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2024 | PHYBOT founded by Ren Xiaoyu and Mao Shuhan in Beijing |
| Late 2024 | Angel round completed, co-led by Fengrui Capital and Z Fund (Zhipu Ecosystem Fund) |
| April 2025 | Angel+ round completed, led by Qingzhi Capital; cumulative funding exceeds 100 million yuan |
| July 2025 | PHYBOT showcases M1, C1, and PhyArc modules at WAIC 2025 |
| August 2025 | PHYBOT exhibits at the World Robot Conference in Beijing; receives "Top 20 Most Investable Robot Companies" award |
| November 2025 | PHYBOT M1 performs standing backflip in demonstration video, gaining international media attention |
| January 2026 | Angel++ financing round completed; cumulative angel funding exceeds 200 million yuan (~$28M USD) |
| February 6, 2026 | Guangzhou smart manufacturing center opens in Pazhou AI and Digital Economy Pilot Zone; PHYBOT C2 and PhyCore 0.1 unveiled |