Tesla Faces New Competition as Chinese Robot Rival AI2 Robotics Plans IPO

Chinese humanoid robot Maker AI2 Robotics is preparing for an initial public offering within the next two years, joining competitor Unitree in challenging Tesla's dominance in advanced robotics. The Shenzhen-based startup has raised $140 million from venture capitalists and claims unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

AI2's AlphaBot2 models feature proprietary AI systems called Alpha Brain, now open-sourced, that enable assembly line tasks and quality inspections. The wheeled robots combine humanoid upper bodies with industrial functionality, targeting China's booming factory automation sector.

This development follows Unitree's reported $7 billion Shanghai IPO plans, signaling intensified competition in the humanoid robotics space that Tesla has pioneered with its Optimus project. Neither company has disclosed specific exchange plans yet.