Haier

Haier is a leading Chinese multinational company specializing in home appliances and consumer electronics that has diversified into industrial automation and robotics. Since the late 1990s, Haier has invested in robotics research and development, including a robotics research center co-built with Harbin Institute of Technology and robotics subsidiaries such as Haier Brothers Robotics Technology (Qingdao). Haier actively develops intelligent industrial robots (such as SCARA and articulated robots) and service robots for smart home and healthcare applications. Haier has acquired key robotics companies such as STEP Electric Corporation, which excels in control algorithms, drive systems, and semiconductor robotics solutions like wafer handling. The integration with Haier's COSMOPlat industrial internet platform enhances the intelligence and application scenarios of mobile and industrial robots. Haier continues expanding into humanoid service robots, homecare, medical logistics, and manufacturing automation, aiming to create a full ecosystem combining industrial internet, robotics hardware, and AI solutions to drive smart manufacturing and smart living globally.

• SCARA and Articulated Robots (via STEP acquisition):
  Used primarily in industrial automation for precision handling and manufacturing processes. Known for advanced control algorithms and strong market positioning in China and globally.
• Kuavo Humanoid Robot:
  Launched in 2024 as the first general humanoid robot for home scenarios in China, developed in partnership with Leju Robotics, targeted at home service and smart living environments.
• Industrial Mobile Robots and Wafer-Handling Robots:
  STEP’s semiconductor robotics specialization supports Haier’s push into high-precision industrial robotics for chip manufacturing and electronics.
• Home Service Robots & Sweeping Robots:
  Haier manufactures consumer-oriented robotic vacuum cleaners and home service robots to enhance smart home functionality.

• Advanced Control & Drive Systems:
  Expertise in robot control algorithms enables precise and reliable operation across industrial robot lines.
• Mobile and Industrial Automation:
  Robots suited for manufacturing, warehousing, and semiconductor industries with capabilities like autonomous navigation, intelligent scheduling, and data-driven optimization.
• Service and Smart Home Integration:
  Homecare and healthcare service robots leverage AI and IoT for natural interaction, security, and convenience in smart homes.
• Ecosystem Integration:
  Leveraging Haier’s COSMOPlat platform to embed AI, big data, and real-time analytics into robots for adaptive and customized industrial solutions.
• Humanoid and Specialized Robotics:
  Expanding into humanoid robotics for home and healthcare assistance with natural interaction capabilities.

Haier, as a global market leader in home appliances, leverages extensive R&D, manufacturing, and sales ecosystems to support its robotics investments. The acquisition of STEP Electric boosts Haier’s industrial robotics capabilities, though STEP has faced recent financial losses, indicating challenges in commercialization speed. Haier’s integration of industrial internet technologies and global supply chain strengths positions it well to grow its robotics business aggressively. Its strategic expansion into both industrial and service robotics markets, combined with strong government and industry partnerships, forecasts a sustainable and potentially dominant role in China’s and global robotics landscapes.