Agile Robots
Agile Robots, founded by German Robotics Institute alumni, builds force-controlled arms and AI for precision manufacturing across China and Europe.
Company Overview
- Agile Robots was founded by Chinese-German robotics researchers with deep ties to Germany's DLR (German Aerospace Center).
- Its Diana series arms combine force control and AI for precision assembly, polishing and medical-assist applications.
- The company bridges German engineering and Chinese manufacturing, serving both markets.
Key Facts
| Full Name | Agile Robots SE |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 思灵机器人 |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Munich & Beijing (dual HQ) |
| Founder | Chen Zhaopeng (陈兆鹏) |
| Core Products | Diana force-controlled arms, precision assembly AI |
| Status | German-Chinese robotics unicorn |
Data Snapshot
| Founded | 2018 — dual HQ Beijing & Munich (DLR heritage) |
|---|---|
| Valuation | US$1B+ since 2021 (C round); 2026 reports of ~US$800M raise talks at US$5B+ (unclosed) |
| Scale | 2,500 employees; 20,000+ robot solutions delivered globally |
| Revenue | ~EUR 200M (2024, reported); ~US$339M (2025, third-party est.); ~US$690M guided 2026 |
| Investors | SoftBank Vision Fund 2 (C-round lead), Hillhouse, Sequoia China, Xiaomi, Foxconn Industrial Internet |
| Products | Force-controlled cobots, Agile One humanoid (2026 production), AgileCore platform |
Products & Specs
| Product | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Diana / Cobot arms | Force-controlled collaborative robots | Core product; automotive & consumer-electronics deployments |
| Agile One | Humanoid robot | Announced 2025; production 2026 (Bavaria) |
| AgileCore | Robot software platform | Recurring-revenue software layer |
Key Customers
- Automotive manufacturing — precision assembly (incl. thyssenkrupp/Krause systems)
- Consumer electronics — global OEM lines
- Medical & AI research — force-controlled applications
Recent Milestones
- 2018 — Founded by DLR robotics alumni
- 2021 — US$220M C round; valuation tops US$1B (first German robotics unicorn)
- 2022 — Foxconn Industrial Internet strategic investment
- 2025 — Agile One humanoid unveiled
- 2026 — Reported talks for ~US$800M at US$5B+; humanoid production begins
Actuators & Sensors
- Force-controlled joint modules with high stiffness and sensitivity.
- 7-DOF arms with whole-arm sensing.
- AI-based vision and grasp planning.
Supply-Chain Analysis
- Agile Robots leverages German engineering for R&D and Chinese manufacturing for scale.
- Dual-HQ structure gives access to European and Chinese customers.
- Unicorn funding supports broad application development.
Competitor Comparison
Versus Flexiv: Agile Robots competes directly in force-controlled arms, with stronger German/medical presence; Flexiv focuses on adaptive manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Agile Robots do?
Agile Robots (思灵机器人) is a Chinese industrial-automation company focused on Diana force-controlled arms, precision assembly AI. It serves factories that need reliable, cost-effective robotic and automation systems.
How does Agile Robots compare with ABB, KUKA or FANUC?
Chinese industrial-robot makers such as Agile Robots are closing the gap with ABB, KUKA and FANUC in price-sensitive segments. Agile Robots competes mainly on Diana force-controlled arms, precision assembly AI, local integration speed and supply-chain cost.
Where is Agile Robots based?
Agile Robots (思灵机器人) is headquartered in Munich & Beijing (dual HQ), China, near its main manufacturing customers.