(Yicai) Dec. 26 -- Chinese embodied artificial intelligence and general-purpose robots startup MagicLab has reportedly raised CNY150 million (USD20.6 million) in an angel fundraiser.

MagicLab's recent financing round was led by Zhuichuang Venture Capital, with Yipu Fund also taking part, 36Kr reported yesterday, citing the company. The proceeds will be used to accelerate the research and development of core technologies and promote the commercial and industrial application of related products, it added.

MagicLab plans to release the next generation of its MagicBot humanoid robot in the first quarter of next year, it noted. The company has the capacity to manufacture its androids on a large scale, expecting to deliver hundreds of them next year and thousands in 2026, it said.

"After the financing round, MagicLab will further strengthen the R&D of core algorithms, improve the efficiency of the supply chain, build the production and manufacturing capacity of humanoid robots, and create stable, reliable, and mature mass-produced products based on controllable costs," said Wu Changzheng, head of the company.

MagicLab can also independently research, develop, and produce core components that match the design of its robots, effectively reducing production costs and providing favorable conditions for large-scale production.

"The capabilities of MagicLab's robots have reached the global leading level and are expected to achieve the transformation from the laboratory to practical applications more quickly in an environment with rich application scenarios," said Lei Ming, founding partner of Zhuichuang Venture Capital.

The MagicBot android and quadruped robots can engage in commercial services, including greeting guests and acting as shopping guides in retail stores, according to MagicLab. The company's robots can also inspect products, handle materials, handle parts, and scan barcodes on factory assembly lines, it added.

MagicLab's robots have already received relevant training at partner retailers and factories. In addition, the firm has linked arms with companies under China Telecom to explore the innovative development and use of household service robot technologies.

Established in January, MagicLab focuses on research, development, and implementation of general-purpose robots and embodied AI technologies. Its products include general-purpose androids and bionic quadruped robots, with their uses covering industrial, commercial, household, and other scenarios.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev