Robot Firm InSpace Tech Gets Major Funding Boost

A new force is emerging in the commercial robotics sector, spearheaded by Tang Mu, a former executive instrumental in Xiaomi's smart hardware division. His venture, InSpace Technology (operating as Yingzhi XBot), has successfully garnered substantial investment, signaling strong confidence in its vision for automated food service solutions. The company's recent product unveiling showcased a suite of sophisticated robots designed for commercial applications, underscoring its rapid progress since its inception.

The latest funding round, described as hundreds of millions of yuan, saw participation from a notable roster of tech luminaries and investment firms. Key backers include Lin Bin, a co-founder and former president of Xiaomi, often referred to as the 'decision-maker' behind the tech giant, and Li Wanqiang, another co-founder of Xiaomi. Additional significant investors contributing to this round are Tencent Senior Vice President Zhang Xiaolong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Chief Vice President Guo Yike, Kansun Software, Jingdong Qixian Coffee, Yizhuang Robot, FICO Coffee, Jilv Holdings, Bowu Tianxing, Aerospace Industry Corporation of China, Sany Group, Siasun Robot, Hong Kong Jiankun Capital GPTX, various government funds, a US dollar fund, and industry investors. This broad base of support highlights the widespread belief in InSpace Technology's potential to disrupt the food service industry.

InSpace Technology is not just a concept; it has already demonstrated significant market penetration. The company has deployed over 1,000 robots across more than 100 cities globally, with a remarkable track record of producing over 4 million cups of coffee. These units are operational in high-profile locations, including Tiananmen Square, Hong Kong's ICAC, and even UK subway stations, boasting an impressive 99.4% uptime across more than 10 international markets. For 2025, Yingzhi XBOT reported revenues exceeding 100 million yuan, with a substantial order backlog for 2026 projected between 300-500 million yuan, indicating robust commercial demand.

The company's product line is designed for efficiency and advanced functionality. The XBot C3 Coffee Robot, priced at $219,000, boasts a compact design, capable of preparing an Americano in about 45 seconds and serving up to 80 cups hourly. It features an industrial robotic arm, UV sterilization, and AI-driven latte art. Complementing this is the XBot I3 Ice Cream Robot ($179,000), which offers over 60 servings per hour and 256 flavor combinations, with some units in high-traffic retail environments exceeding 250 daily servings.

The flagship XBot X1 Humanoid Robot is engineered for versatility. Equipped with a wheeled base, integrated storage, and dual seven-axis robotic arms, it can handle payloads of 3-4 kg per arm with exceptional precision (±1mm positioning accuracy). Its advanced sensors and interactive display facilitate autonomous operation. Tang Mu's strategic approach emphasizes a consumer electronics mindset, viewing robots as tools that deliver tangible end-user value, such as a perfectly made coffee or ice cream, rather than focusing solely on the technology itself. This philosophy is expected to drive the mass production of the XBot X1 by the end of 2026.

Looking ahead, InSpace Technology is also preparing to launch the XBOT CUBE Robot Food Truck by year-end 2026. This mobile 8-square-meter unit will integrate multiple food service functions, including coffee, ice cream, cocktails, and sausage making, further expanding the company's reach into diverse commercial settings. The company's trajectory, backed by significant capital and industry expertise, positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of commercial automation.