EngineAI, the manufacturer of humanoid robots, has submitted an application for an IPO in Hong Kong.

      EngineAI, a Chinese producer of humanoid robots, has confidentially submitted an application for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, as reported by Bloomberg on Friday, citing sources familiar with the situation. The Shenzhen-based startup is collaborating with China International Capital Corp and Citic Securities regarding the potential share sale.

      At just three years old, the company secured $200 million in a Series B funding round in April, which increased its valuation to over 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion). This round was led by a fund associated with Henan Investment Group and the electronics provider Luxshare Precision Industry.

      About EngineAI

      EngineAI was established in 2023 by a team from leading universities, headed by CEO Zhao Tongyang. The company specializes in developing general-purpose humanoid robots based on what it refers to as “embodied AI,” allowing machines to perceive and interact with their environments.

      The company gained significant attention last year with a video showcasing its PM01 robot executing a front flip. Its product range includes the entry-level SA01 and the T800, a more robust model designed for demanding tasks.

      Scaling Robot Production

      EngineAI is moving beyond just demonstrating prototypes. On June 1, it inaugurated a 12,000-square-meter factory in Shenzhen and started dispatching its initial batch of T800 robots. The company claims that its production line can produce a humanoid robot every 15 minutes, with a capacity aimed at 10,000 units.

      This marks a rapid progression for the company, which states it transitioned from a single test machine in 2024 to hundreds of PM01 units in 2025, now targeting mass production. The proposition for IPO investors highlights a genuine manufacturing foundation, rather than simply relying on viral videos.

      A Surge to List

      EngineAI is part of a broader trend, as Chinese robotics manufacturers are hurrying to enter public markets while investment is plentiful. Unitree, the industry leader, has filed for a $7 billion IPO, and BYD-backed hand-maker PaXini is also considering a listing. Additionally, Dreame, known for robot vacuums, has its eyes on Hong Kong, while the robot-hand unicorn Linkerbot is aiming for a $6 billion valuation. This year, around $22.6 billion has already been raised through IPOs in Hong Kong.

      Challenges for the EngineAI IPO

      There is a significant oversupply compared to confirmed demand. Last year, China accounted for approximately 90 percent of global humanoid robot shipments, but the market is saturated and unverified. Over 150 companies are competing, yet only 23 percent of buyers express satisfaction with existing products.

      EngineAI has not revealed its revenue, and its confidential filing keeps financial details concealed. The specifics regarding the size and timing of the listing remain uncertain, and the company could still withdraw its application. The ambitious goal of producing a robot every 15 minutes presents a considerable risk, and the key concern for investors is whether the orders will materialize accordingly.