Xiaomi Establishes New Unit for Embodied Intelligence in Robotics
Xiaomi has established a new "Embodied Intelligence and Applications" unit, led by Kong Tao, formerly of ByteDance Seed Robotics. The unit integrates several previously separate robotics teams.
Chinese technology firm Xiaomi has established a new "Embodied Intelligence and Applications" unit as part of a reorganization of its robotics business. The unit will be headed by Kong Tao, who previously led the embodied intelligence division at ByteDance Seed Robotics.
The new department integrates several previously distinct robotics teams, including Chen Long's VLA team and Cai Rui's robotics embodiment department. All business directions within Xiaomi's robotics embodiment sector will now fall under Kong Tao's management.
Kong Tao joined Xiaomi earlier this year, focusing on foundational models for embodied robotics. Internal assessments have reportedly described his contributions as "far exceeding expectations".
Xiaomi's robotics initiatives include deploying industrial robots within its automotive manufacturing facilities. In March, the company reported its robots successfully installed self-tapping screws on an assembly line with a 90.2% success rate, meeting production line tempo requirements. By July, the success rate had risen to 98%, and the robots began new tasks such as parts sorting and bin folding in the final assembly area, achieving 90% success rates.