SenseTime-backed robotics startup ACE Robotics closes angel round led by Ant Group · TechNode

SenseTime-Backed ACE Robotics Secures Angel Funding to Advance Embodied AI in Robotics

In a significant development for China’s rapidly evolving artificial intelligence and robotics landscape, ACE Robotics, an embodied robotics startup, has successfully closed its angel funding round, raising an undisclosed sum. The round was led by Ant Group, with participation from a robust lineup of investors including Qiming Venture Partners, GVC, Hony Capital, Lenovo Capital, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Lotus Capital. Existing investor Sense Capital also increased its stake, underscoring strong confidence in the company’s vision and technological trajectory.

ACE Robotics is not just another entrant in the crowded field of AI startups. The company is spearheaded by Wang Xiaogang, a co-founder of SenseTime, and Tao Dacheng, a distinguished Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and SenseTime’s chief scientist. This leadership duo brings together deep expertise in AI research, computer vision, and robotics, positioning ACE Robotics at the intersection of cutting-edge innovation and practical application.

The startup made its debut in December 2025 with a bold and comprehensive roadmap. Central to its launch was the ACE embodied R&D framework, an integrated platform designed to accelerate the development of intelligent robotic systems. Alongside this, ACE Robotics unveiled the A1 robot intelligence module, a modular and scalable solution aimed at embedding advanced AI capabilities into physical robots. Perhaps most notably, the company open-sourced its world model, Kairos 3.0, a move that signals its commitment to collaborative innovation and the broader AI research community.

The funding will be strategically deployed to fuel several key initiatives. First, ACE Robotics plans to accelerate the development of its AI models, refining their accuracy, adaptability, and real-world robustness. Second, the company will invest heavily in data collection—a critical component for training embodied AI systems that can navigate complex, unstructured environments. Finally, ACE Robotics is eyeing commercial deployment across a diverse array of sectors, including energy, transportation, and tourism, where intelligent automation can drive efficiency, safety, and user experience.

This funding milestone comes at a time when embodied AI—AI that can interact with and learn from the physical world—is gaining unprecedented momentum. Industry analysts note that the convergence of advanced sensors, powerful processors, and sophisticated algorithms is enabling robots to perform tasks once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. From autonomous inspection in power plants to intelligent tour guides in cultural landmarks, the potential applications are vast and transformative.

SenseTime’s backing of ACE Robotics is particularly noteworthy. As one of China’s most prominent AI companies, SenseTime has been at the forefront of computer vision and deep learning innovations. By supporting ACE Robotics, SenseTime is not only diversifying its portfolio but also reinforcing its commitment to the next frontier of AI: embodiment. This move aligns with broader industry trends, where tech giants and investors are increasingly betting on startups that can bridge the gap between digital intelligence and physical action.

The involvement of Ant Group as the lead investor adds another layer of strategic significance. Ant Group, the fintech behemoth spun off from Alibaba, has been actively expanding its footprint in AI and deep tech. Its investment in ACE Robotics suggests a belief that embodied AI will play a crucial role in the future of smart infrastructure, logistics, and service industries—areas where Ant Group has significant interests.

Meanwhile, the participation of academic and institutional investors like Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Lotus Capital highlights the growing synergy between academia and industry in China’s innovation ecosystem. This collaboration ensures that cutting-edge research can be rapidly translated into market-ready solutions, accelerating the pace of technological adoption.

As ACE Robotics embarks on this next phase of growth, the industry will be watching closely. The startup’s open-source approach with Kairos 3.0 could catalyze a wave of innovation, as developers and researchers worldwide build upon its foundation. At the same time, its focus on commercial deployment signals a pragmatic approach—one that seeks not just to advance the science of AI, but to deliver tangible value across industries.

In the words of Wang Xiaogang, “Embodied AI is not just about making robots smarter; it’s about making them useful in the real world.” With its strong leadership, robust funding, and clear vision, ACE Robotics is well-positioned to turn that vision into reality, shaping the future of intelligent automation in China and beyond.

Tags:
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