HAIPICK robots in operation at Booktopia

Hai Robotics, a Chinese warehouse robotics start-up pioneer in autonomous case-handling robotics (ACR) systems, has secured two new continuous rounds of financing, garnering around USD200 million to be invested in boosting its robot fleet with technological upgrades, expanding its global operation networks, optimising its supply chain management and corporate structure, as well as talent. The C round funding was led by 5Y Capital, with participation from Sequoia Capital China, Source Code Capital, VMS, Walden International and Scheme Capital. The D round funding, the third capital infusion for the company in 2021, was led by Capital Today with some existing investors, including Sequoia Capital China, 5Y Capital, Source Code Capital, Legend Star, and 01VC. In March, the company announced B+ round funding of USD15 million. Hai Robotics claims to have launched the world's first ACR system, HAIPICK, in 2015. The HAIPICK robots can pick and place totes or cartons on storage shelves up to 5 to 7 m high and are able to carry up to eight loads to continuously feed goods-to-person picking stations. The robot has stood out from similar mobile robots through its ability to carry cartons as well as individual totes and to bring multiple cases to pickers or conveyors in one movement. It can help realise warehouse automation in just a week, increase storage density by 80-130%, and improve staff work efficiency by three to four times. "Our major future orientation will centre on expanding the overseas market and localising our service," says Richie Chen, the company's co-founder and CEO. Chen says the company will continue to pursue technological innovation as the primary driver for growth, and continuously create value for customers.