Robbyant of Ant Group seeks $222 million in funding round

Robbyant, the embodied artificial intelligence (AI) division of Ant Group, has officially launched its first external fundraising effort, aiming to secure 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $222 million). The unit confirmed on Monday that it is in discussions with potential investors, marking a significant step in its growth trajectory. This makes Robbyant the fourth division of the fintech giant to pursue independent capital-raising initiatives.

Focus on "Robot Brain" Development

As Ant Group’s flagship initiative in embodied AI, Robbyant is dedicated to advancing a general-purpose “robot brain” that integrates cutting-edge technologies for physical and spatial intelligence. The company is prioritizing innovations that enable robots to better process visual data, navigate environments, and predict actions in dynamic settings. A spokesperson for Robbyant emphasized that the funds will accelerate the commercial deployment of these technologies.

LingBot AI Updates Signal Progress

Robbyant recently unveiled the second generation of its LingBot AI foundation model family, which includes advanced tools like LingBot-Vision and LingBot-Depth 2.0 for spatial perception, as well as LingBot-VA 2.0 for predictive scene analysis and robotic decision-making. These developments are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of robotic systems in real-world environments, underscoring Robbyant’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of embodied AI.

Independent Fundraising Amid Ant Group Restructuring

The decision to independently raise capital comes as Ant Group undergoes a broader restructuring of its operations. In 2024, the company granted three other divisions – Ant International, OceanBase, and Ant Digital Technologies – their own boards and independent operating frameworks, while retaining them as subsidiaries. This restructuring reflects Ant Group’s strategy of fostering specialized growth within its units.

Additionally, Robbyant’s move aligns with a growing trend in the embodied AI sector, which has seen increased investor interest. According to local media reports, the decision to seek external funding was also influenced by tighter internal computing budgets at Ant Group, as the company expands its focus on artificial intelligence.

Second Funding Round Planned by Year-End

Robbyant aims to complete a second funding round by the end of this year, positioning itself to capitalize on the growing momentum in embodied AI. The success of these efforts could further solidify its status as a leader in the development of intelligent robotic systems.

This funding push not only highlights Robbyant’s ambitions but also reflects Ant Group’s broader commitment to innovation in emerging technologies.

Source: South China Morning Post