Shenzhen Startup EngineAI Raises $28M for Humanoid Robot Push

Shenzhen Startup EngineAI Raises 28M for Humanoid Robot Push

Shenzhen-based EngineAI, a newcomer in the increasingly competitive field of humanoid robotics, has secured nearly 200 million yuan (approximately US28 million) in a pre-A funding round, according to a report from Tech in Asia citing Sina. The investment was led by Stone Venture, with participation from SenseTime’s Sense Capital and Honghui Capital.

Rapid Development Since 2023 Launch

Founded just 18 months ago in October 2023, EngineAI has moved quickly to establish itself. The company reports having developed three distinct humanoid robot models. Its full-size model, the SE01, stands 170 cm tall and weighs 55 kg. EngineAI claims this model possesses advanced mobility, including the ability to run, jump, and manipulate objects.

Notably, the company released footage in February 2025 purportedly showing the SE01 executing a front flip, a demonstration aimed at showcasing its dynamic control and agility. EngineAI states the new capital injection will be used to further its research and development efforts, scale up production capabilities, and pursue expansion into international markets.

Context: Intensifying Global Competition and Falling Costs

The funding arrives amidst a broader strategic push by China in the robotics sector, intensifying competition, particularly with US-based companies. The Tech in Asia report highlights that China is now home to eight of the 16 major global players in humanoid robotics, compared to six in the US. This focus aligns with market projections suggesting the humanoid robot sector could reach $38 billion by 2035.

EngineAI appears to be positioning its SE01 competitively on price, reportedly targeting a range of 150,000-200,000 yuan (around $21,000-$28,000). This reflects a wider industry trend of decreasing costs for humanoid robots, potentially accelerating adoption if reliability and capability milestones are met. The SE01 is cited as having 32 degrees of freedom, a walking speed of 2 m/s, a 10-year operational lifespan claim, and a current battery life of 2 hours – a specification common among current-generation humanoids that often presents practical limitations.

Focus on Bio-Inspired Movement

EngineAI emphasizes its focus on achieving human-like locomotion, referencing "cerebellum-like control systems" and bio-inspired gait design. Such capabilities are seen as key differentiators as companies strive to create robots that can navigate complex, human-centric environments efficiently and safely.

While demonstrations like front flips garner attention, the successful translation of these capabilities into reliable performance for practical tasks in real-world settings remains a key challenge for EngineAI and the industry as a whole. The company's ability to leverage its new funding to refine its technology, improve metrics like battery life, and scale production will be critical factors in its bid to capture a share of the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics market.

Watch the dance off between Speed and the EngineAI robot above

Source: https://www.techinasia.com/news/shenzhen-engineai-raises-28m-advance-humanoid-robotic-race