Tencent Robotics

Tencent, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a global technology conglomerate known primarily for its social media, gaming, cloud computing, and AI services. In 2018, Tencent established Robotics X Lab to focus on robotics research and development, leveraging Tencent’s strengths in AI, cloud computing, and big data.

Robotics X Lab has developed multiple generations of robots, including the quadrupedal robot “Max” and the humanoid robot “The Five” (also known as Xiao Wu). “The Five” is a fifth-generation hybrid robot capable of switching between walking upright on legs and rolling on wheels, adapting its locomotion to different terrains and speed requirements. It is designed for human-centric environments such as homes and elderly care facilities, featuring large-area tactile skin for safe human-robot interaction.

Tencent’s robotics efforts are integrated with its broader AI strategy, including reinforcement learning, motion control, and human-robot interaction. The company aims to create robots that seamlessly fit into daily life, enhancing mobility and assistance in real-world settings.

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• The Five (Xiao Wu): A hybrid humanoid robot with leg and wheel locomotion modes, capable of folding into compact positions, equipped with tactile skin for safe interaction, designed for home and elderly care environments.
• Max Quadruped Robot: Earlier generation quadruped robot capable of running, jumping, and parkour-style maneuvers, integrating reinforcement learning for autonomous navigation.

Tencent Robotics specializes in AI-driven, hybrid locomotion robots designed for versatile mobility and safe human interaction. Their robots combine advanced sensing (tactile skin), autonomous navigation, and adaptable movement modes to operate in complex, human-centric environments.

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• Backed by Tencent, one of the world’s largest tech companies with strong financial resources and AI expertise.
• Robotics X Lab benefits from Tencent’s AI, cloud infrastructure, and data capabilities.
• Continuous investment in AI and robotics R&D with multiple robot generations developed since 2018.
• Focus on practical applications in homes, elderly care, and service environments.
• Robotics projects integrated within Tencent’s broader AI and cloud ecosystem, enhancing scalability.
• Challenges include navigating market readiness and competition in humanoid robotics.
• Tencent’s strong brand and ecosystem support potential for commercial partnerships and deployments.