Edinburgh firm named UK distributor for Chinese humanoid robots

Edinburgh-headquartered The Robot Group (TRG) has become an authorised UK distributor for Chinese humanoid robotics developer X-HUMANOID, the company said.

TRG is inviting expressions of interest from UK businesses and research organisations exploring X-HUMANOID’s TianGong and Tianyi humanoid robots, according to the firm. The arrangement gives prospective customers a UK commercial contact to discuss applications and develop potential projects with X-HUMANOID.

TRG said it will focus on opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, hospitality and infrastructure, helping organisations establish their requirements and assess suitable platforms. Configurations will be selected around each customer’s intended application, the company said.

X-HUMANOID, also known as the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, attracted international attention when its TianGong Ultra recorded an 8.64-second 100-metre sprint at the World Humanoid Robot Games, according to the release.

Evaluation process

Paul Murphy, co-founder of The Robot Group, said: “An effective evaluation starts with a specific task and a clear measure of success. We will help UK organisations define what they need a robot to do, then work with X-HUMANOID to establish how that capability can be demonstrated.”

He added: “Our focus is on giving businesses a practical route to explore these platforms and make informed decisions about their potential use.”

TRG said delivery dates will be confirmed for each model and configuration, subject to completion of applicable conformity requirements.

The Robot Group describes itself as a Scotland-based, manufacturer-independent business helping UK organisations assess humanoid and quadruped robots and plan their adoption for commercial and industrial applications. X-HUMANOID develops humanoid robotics and embodied AI technology, with a product portfolio that includes the TianGong and Tianyi platforms, the companies said.