Robotics Innovator Hangmo Technology Raises $13.8M Seed Funding

Hangmo Technology, a startup emerging from the prestigious Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Beihang) Robotics Institute, has successfully closed a substantial nearly 100 million RMB (approximately $13.8 million USD) seed funding round. The capital infusion, led by a consortium of prominent investors including Zhongtou Wanfang, Sanxian Technology, Beihang Tianhui, Chengmei Capital, Sanhe Investment, and Changzhou Financial Holdings, with DT Capital serving as a long-term strategic financing advisor, will fuel the company's ambitious product development and market expansion initiatives.

Founded in 2022, Hangmo Technology is at the forefront of developing intelligent variable stiffness joint technology and consumer-grade intelligent exoskeletons. The company's core innovation stems from a key research project at the Beihang Robotics Institute, focusing on creating adaptive robotic components. This foundational technology addresses a critical need in the rapidly growing robotics sector, particularly with the ascendance of humanoid robots. The global market for robotic joint modules is projected to reach approximately $10 billion USD by 2025, with China's segment expected to surpass 64 billion RMB by 2030, highlighting the significant market opportunity.

At the heart of Hangmo's technological prowess is its proprietary FlexmoJoint, an intelligent variable stiffness joint module. Unlike conventional robotic joints, FlexmoJoint is engineered to mimic the dynamic kinematic and dynamic characteristics of human joints. This allows for unprecedented adaptability to specific operational scenarios, offering features such as impact resistance, energy recovery, and diverse stiffness configurations. The technology significantly enhances safety by providing compliant protection during unexpected events, reducing external force estimation errors by 23% and decreasing energy consumption by 31.2%. This is achieved through a combination of flexible drive, cost-effective motors, and multi-mode switching control, drastically lowering production costs.

Building on this advanced joint technology, Hangmo is also collaborating with clients to develop a range of intelligent robotic systems tailored to diverse applications. These include humanoid robots, robotic arms, and robotic dogs, targeting sectors such as industrial automation, consumer electronics, medical rehabilitation, and specialized defense applications. The company's vision extends beyond component manufacturing to providing comprehensive robotic solutions that integrate seamlessly into various industries.

A notable consumer-facing application of Hangmo's variable stiffness joints is the IRMO M1 intelligent knee exoskeleton, designed for outdoor use. This groundbreaking device, which has already garnered 7 million RMB in crowdfunding, is billed as the world's first visually perceptive, all-terrain adaptive AI exoskeleton. Equipped with integrated cameras and LiDAR, the IRMO M1 can identify diverse terrains like grass, sand, slopes, and stairs within milliseconds, boasting a field of view up to 120 degrees and a scanning range of 2.5 meters. Its intelligent joints provide real-time cushioning, ensuring smoother and more stable movements during activities like running, jumping, and sharp turns.

The company's leadership, including founder Dai Wanhui (a Beihang Robotics Institute Master's graduate and Tsinghua University MBA, formerly a project lead for Beihang's 863 Program) and CTO Luan Sheng (a Beihang PhD and postdoctoral researcher), brings a wealth of expertise in robotics, AI, and commercialization. Their combined experience is instrumental in navigating the technical complexities and market demands of advanced robotics. Hangmo aims to establish an ecosystem around its exoskeleton data, offering value-added services akin to the Apple Watch, by analyzing joint movement data for insights into user biomechanics and joint health.