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Former ByteDance robotics head reportedly joins Xiaomi
Kong Tao, former head of ByteDance's robotics team, has joined Xiaomi in 2025 to lead a new team focused on developing foundation models for robots, bringing several colleagues with him. Xiaomi's robotics division has around 200 employees and has launched the Xiaomi-Robotics-1 model while testing humanoid robots in manufacturing environments.
Key points
- Kong Tao joins Xiaomi in 2025 as head of robotics foundation models team.
- Brings former ByteDance colleagues to Xiaomi.
- Xiaomi's robotics division employs about 200 people.
- Foundation model team operates separately within robotics division.
- Xiaomi released Xiaomi-Robotics-1 and is testing humanoid robots for manufacturing.
Why it matters
- Xiaomi's move aligns with the increasing emphasis on AI-driven robotics in the tech industry.
- The development of foundation models reflects the current trend toward AI models enhancing various applications.
- Investment in robotics is becoming critical as organizations adapt to automation trends, building momentum through 2025.
Kong Tao's transition to Xiaomi underscores the growing intersection of AI and robotics, highlighting the company's strategic focus on advancing its technological capabilities in a rapidly evolving market.