Robotics Funding Heats Up as Capital Rushes to Embodied AI Perception Layer

Recent robotics funding announcements underscore a clear shift toward the perception layer of embodied AI. Shutu Technology, a tactile sensing company, closed a nearly RMB 100 million Pre-A round co-led by CDH Baifu and Kunpeng Fund, a national big-data fund. The participation of policy-backed capital signals growing coordination between industry investors and state funds.

Paxini, a leading embodied perception firm, also announced a B++ round, bringing its cumulative funding to more than RMB 4 billion. Its focus on tactile and multi-dimensional sensing reflects rising demand for robots that can perceive and interact with the physical world.

The broader funding surge this year stems from AI model advances, supportive policies, and expectations of commercialization. Capital is moving from complete robot makers toward critical components and perception technologies, aiming to secure upstream positions in the embodied AI supply chain.