Tuya Smart Invests in Robopoet to Accelerate Physical AI Commercialization
Tuya Smart has made a strategic investment in Robopoet to speed up the commercialization of physical AI products. The investment is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI into tangible devices.
Hangzhou, China – Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a global cloud AI platform services provider, announced a strategic investment in Robopoet as part of the latter's recently concluded pre-Series A funding round, which raised 100 million RMB. The round also saw participation from existing backers Sequoia China and GSR Ventures, alongside two new investors. Tuya Smart's investment signals an acceleration of its efforts to commercialize physical AI.
Robopoet's new product, Fuzozo, achieved cumulative domestic market sales of nearly 300,000 units by June 2026, marking a significant success. Tuya Smart has been providing the underlying global cloud AI platform since 2025, contributing to the widespread adoption of the compact, eye-blinking plush emotional companion. Alex Yang, Tuya Smart's co-founder, COO, and CFO, stated that 2026 is a pivotal year for the large-scale commercialization of AI-native hardware, with market-validated products entering a phase of explosive growth.
The strategic logic extends beyond a single product category, reflecting a broader vision for AI-optimized hardware commercialization. As AI transitions from models to tangible applications, AI hardware becomes an essential link to consumers. This is leading to smart devices, from robots to home automation products, gradually evolving into more proactive AI companions. Tuya aims to foster the convergence of AI and the physical world through its AI and IoT ecosystem.
The success is also evident in the sales of AI toys powered by Tuya technology. During China's mid-year 618 shopping festival, Fuzozo sales reached 40,000 units, topping the AI toy category on Tmall. Other Tuya-powered AI toys, including Walulu, AOOMII, Scruffy, and Wozzi, also saw strong performance, with Famue making the JD.com "Smart Robot Gold List." Tuya Smart assists manufacturers in both R&D and market expansion, with its Tuya AI Development Platform accelerating the transition from concept to mass production. The company's global channel access helps brands like Fuzozo reach international markets, demonstrating the maturity and replicability of the AI hardware deployment model.
Tuya Smart plans to continue providing its global cloud AI platform capabilities and international resources to support AI hardware creation and the emerging "solo entrepreneur" model. Through strategic investments like the one in Robopoet, Tuya intends to establish a new growth model centered on AI platform deployment, ecosystem collaboration, and the global commercialization of innovative AI hardware.