Shanghai robotics firm AGIBOT has just unveiled its Genie G2, a wheeled humanoid set to transform factory floors. But this isn’t just another tech demo; AGIBOT has already inked a colossal deal with electronics giant Shanghai Longcheer. The agreement, worth hundreds of millions of yuan, will see nearly 1,000 G2 units put to work in Longcheer’s facilities, representing one of China’s most significant deployments of industrial humanoid robots to date.
The Genie G2 is a masterclass in pragmatism. Foregoing the bipedal ambition that occupies so many of its rivals, AGIBOT has grounded its creation on a stable and efficient wheeled base, perfectly suited for the polished concrete of a factory. Its design features a foldable torso, a human-like waist for articulation, and remarkably dexterous hands with 19 degrees of freedom, enabling it to perform delicate manipulation and inspection tasks. Equipped with 360° 3D environmental navigation, the G2 is engineered to glide through crowded workstations and machine rooms, adeptly handling materials and executing complex procedures. While its primary role is industrial, AGIBOT suggests the G2 could one day moonlight in service roles, from greeting guests to patrolling as security.
Why this matters
This is more than just another product launch; it’s a landmark moment for commercial robotics. The sheer scale of the Longcheer order catapults humanoid robots from the realm of R&D showpieces into the world of practical, deployable assets. It’s concrete proof of a genuine industrial demand. AGIBOT’s decision to opt for wheels over legs is a stroke of strategic genius, prioritising immediate, real-world utility and stability over the fiendishly complex challenge of bipedal motion. By focusing on what works now, this deployment could be the catalyst that finally accelerates the widespread adoption of humanoids in manufacturing, proving that sometimes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to revolutionise the factory floor.
