Pudu, a Shenzhen-based developer of AI-driven commercial service robots for delivery and cleaning, has raised nearly $150M in its latest funding round. The company, which shipped over 120,000 units across 80+ countries, now exceeds a $1.5B valuation with cumulative funding over $300M. The capital targets expansion into embodied AI, industrial delivery robots, and global growth including new U.S. and global headquarters.
Cleaning Robots Drive Revenue Surge
Service robotics funding heats up as Keenon Robotics amassed $264M total and Bear Robotics raised $141M. Pudu's pivot to cleaning robots, now over 70% of revenue after doubling YoY in 2025, positions it amid labor shortages in hospitality and manufacturing. The firm holds 23% global market share in commercial service robotics per Frost & Sullivan, with 4,000+ industrial robots shipped in their first year.
Labor Shortages Fuel Robot Demand
Hospitality and retail face acute staffing gaps, with pickers spending 70% of shifts walking in e-commerce warehouses. Traditional cleaning remains repetitive and inefficient in dynamic environments like malls and airports. Post-COVID demand for contactless service accelerates adoption, as seen in clients like Walmart, Carrefour, and Hong Kong International Airport deploying multiple units.
One Brain Powers Multiple Robots
Pudu's 'One Brain, Multiple Embodiments' architecture unifies mobility, manipulation, and AI across delivery bots like BellaBot Pro, cleaning models like PUDU BG1 series, and emerging humanoids like PUDU D9. This enables AI-native features such as 3D LiDAR navigation, AI Magic Cleaning, and shelf monitoring, outperforming reactive legacy systems. Unlike Keenon's disinfection focus or Bear's multi-floor emphasis, Pudu stresses interactive designs and fleet orchestration for human-robot collaboration.
As Felix Zhang, Founder and CEO, noted:
"This funding milestone is a powerful validation of Pudu’s industry leadership… elevating the industry to new heights in the global value chain."
Strategic Investors Signal Unicorn Status
The round pushes Pudu past unicorn valuation, building on prior raises including $170M in 2023. Backers affirm the shift from hospitality delivery to industrial and embodied AI, with revenue growth underscoring scalable business model. Cumulative funding over $300M equips aggressive infrastructure like Dallas U.S. HQ supporting 15,000 Americas robots and Shenzhen global headquarters.
Service Robotics Scales to $210B
The service robotics market stands at $86B TAM in 2026, growing at 19.5% CAGR to $210B by 2031, driven by AI autonomy and industrial expansion. Pudu leads Chinese peers with deployments in 10 sectors, while competitors like SAHA Robotics trail at $3.4M funding. China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes robotics, providing tailwinds via new humanoid standards.
Serial Founder Powers Robotics Push
Founder Felix Zhang brings 16+ years in robotics R&D and nearly 300 granted patents worldwide. A HKUST alum and competition winner, he previously founded Elrobotics for robotic kits and Leiphone.com, China's leading tech media. This expertise fuels Pudu's decade-long evolution from delivery to AI humanoids.
Global Expansion Accelerates
Pudu plans IPO alongside U.S. market deepening via Dallas HQ (285% YoY Americas revenue growth) and Europe via BG1 deployments with Gom Schoonhouden. Industrial lineup like T600 series targets manufacturing, with ongoing PUDU D9 humanoid development. Over 120,000 units shipped signal readiness for broader adoption.