Former ByteDance Robotics Head Joins Xiaomi to Lead Robot AI Team

Kong Tao, the former head of ByteDance's robotics team, has reportedly joined Xiaomi, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. He is now leading a team focused on developing foundation models for robots within Xiaomi's robotics business. Kong made the move in 2025, bringing along several former colleagues from ByteDance to join him at the new position.

The transition marks a significant recruitment for Xiaomi as it continues to expand its presence in the field of embodied AI and robotics. Kong's experience at ByteDance, where he oversaw the development of advanced robotics technologies, is expected to bring fresh expertise to Xiaomi's ongoing projects. The move also highlights a growing trend of talent mobility between major tech companies in China's competitive AI and robotics sector.

Xiaomi's robotics division reportedly consists of around 200 employees, with the foundation-model team operating separately within the broader robotics framework. This structure allows for focused development of core AI capabilities that can be integrated into various robotic platforms. Earlier this year, Xiaomi unveiled its Xiaomi-Robotics-1 foundation model, which serves as the technological backbone for its humanoid robots.

Currently, Xiaomi is testing humanoid robots in manufacturing environments, aiming to integrate them into real-world industrial applications. These tests are part of the company's broader strategy to leverage its expertise in consumer electronics and software to become a major player in the robotics industry. The addition of Kong and his team is likely to accelerate the development of more sophisticated robot behaviors and capabilities.