Shenzhen-based Leju Robot just launched the fifth iteration of its flagship industrial humanoid that can now switch between bipedal and wheeled locomotion.
Leju says its new Kuavo 5 humanoid’s modular design is engineered for demanding conditions in modern factories and households. The company shared a 3-minute video showing the robot working in what looks like an automotive plant and a simulated home with a kitchen, living room, and laundry room.
Leju is pushing the humanoid into China’s industrial workforce after securing more than $200 million in pre-IPO funding. The startup was spun out of the Harbin Institute of Technology in 2016, initially focusing on STEM applications with its AELO robot, one of China’s first programmable humanoid platforms.
Leju introduced the first Kuavo prototype in March 2024 at the Appliance and Electronics World Expo in Shanghai as the first humanoid robot to run on Huawei’s Harmony OS. By July 2024, the humanoid was being tested at Chinese EV maker Nio’s smart factory for tasks like vehicle assembly and quality control. Kuavo, also known as Kuafu, integrates Huawei’s Pangu AI model for advanced embodied intelligence.
Leju says the Kuavo is built for continuous labor with its battery that runs for more than 8 hours per charge.
According to Leju, the Kuavo 5 robot’s arms and hands are also interchangeable so users can choose between dexterous five-fingered end effectors, grippers, or claws, depending on the application. The body rotates and its height is adjustable. Its payload capacity is reported at 20 kg (44 lbs), while its upper body dual-arm payload is specified at 10 kg (22 lbs).
The company has not publicly revealed pricing.