Meituan Leads Series D Funding for Collaborative Robot Maker FAIRINO
Chinese collaborative robot developer FAIRINO has completed a Series D financing round led by Meituan, adding a second major investment from the internet platform company. The latest round follows a Series C+ round led by Meituan’s Long-Z investment arm, according to a disclosure made by FAIRINO in October. The company said the proceeds will support production expansion and the development of industrial robotics.
The Series D and the preceding Series C+ round together raised nearly RMB 1 billion, FAIRINO said. Other participants in the financing included Yongxin Capital and Suzhou Capital Group, while several existing backers increased their investments. FAIRINO did not disclose a separate fundraising amount for the Series D round.
FAIRINO plans to direct part of the capital toward manufacturing capacity for core components and products. Those products include its ART industrial force-controlled robotic arms and its AIRLab embodied-intelligence platform. The company said the funding will also support research and development and the expansion of its global business.
The financing highlights continued investor interest in China’s collaborative robot sector, where manufacturers are seeking to combine mechanical automation with sensing and control software. Collaborative robots are designed to operate alongside human workers rather than in isolated cages, and force-controlled arms are intended to handle tasks that require precise contact and adjustable pressure.
FAIRINO’s ART line focuses on industrial force-controlled robotic arms, while AIRLab is described as an embodied-intelligence platform. Embodied intelligence generally refers to artificial-intelligence systems that perceive and act in physical environments. For FAIRINO, the combination suggests a product strategy that spans hardware—robotic arms and core components—and software that can support more adaptive industrial tasks.
Meituan’s role as lead investor in both rounds is notable. Long-Z, Meituan’s investment arm, led the earlier Series C+ round, and Meituan itself led the Series D round. The repeated backing may signal confidence in FAIRINO’s manufacturing plans and its position in the industrial robotics supply chain, although FAIRINO did not disclose the valuation or specific terms of the latest round.
The company’s expansion plans come as Chinese robotics firms continue to attract capital for automation hardware and embodied-AI software. FAIRINO said the proceeds will be used for core-component manufacturing capacity, product manufacturing, R&D, and overseas business development. The company disclosed the financing in October, with Cyzone reporting the details in Chinese.
The funding plan places emphasis on core components, an area that can determine cost, reliability, and supply stability for robot makers. By investing in manufacturing capacity for key parts, FAIRINO aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers and support production of its own products. The company also plans to expand capacity for finished products, including its industrial robotic arms.
FAIRINO’s product portfolio includes industrial force-controlled robotic arms under the ART brand and the AIRLab embodied-intelligence platform. The company has positioned these offerings for industrial scenarios that require controlled force and interaction with objects. The new capital is expected to support both hardware development and software capabilities, according to the disclosed plan.
The participation of Yongxin Capital and Suzhou Capital Group, along with increased investments from existing shareholders, broadens the funding base beyond Meituan. The company did not provide a breakdown of individual investor contributions. It also did not disclose the valuation at which the Series D round was completed.
For the broader collaborative robot market, the financing is a reminder that investors are still willing to back hardware makers with clear industrial use cases. Collaborative robots have been adopted in manufacturing, logistics, and other settings where flexible automation is needed. Force-controlled arms are particularly relevant for tasks that require contact-rich manipulation.
FAIRINO said the funds will support R&D and global business expansion. The company’s international plans come amid growing competition among Chinese robotics suppliers. The disclosed financing is intended to strengthen manufacturing capacity and product development as FAIRINO seeks to scale its industrial robotics business.