Chinese Startup LinkerBot Raises $6B Valuation for Robotic Hands
Original: The $6 Billion Chinese Startup Trying to Build Hands for Every Robot
Why This Matters
Represents China's growing dominance in robotics hardware as hands remain the most complex humanoid component
LinkerBot, founded in 2023, manufactures dexterous robotic hands for $600 and shipped 10,000 units last year representing 80% of worldwide demand. The startup seeks $6B valuation funding after six rounds in 13 months from investors including Chinese government and Alibaba's Ant Group.
LinkerBot produces five-finger robotic hands with 11+ joints capable of playing piano, threading needles, and assembling electronics. Founder Zhou Yong predicts prices will drop to $200 within 3-5 years and envisions everyone owning 10 robots on average. The company focuses exclusively on hands rather than full humanoids, serving research labs, manufacturers, and robot makers. After selling an autonomous driving startup in 2019, Zhou entered robotics predicting industry growth around 2025. Chinese robotics startups have gained ground as US counterparts shifted to AI software development.