Felix Zhang, founder and CEO of Pudu Robotics, presented the company's global expansion roadmap at BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macau. Zhang framed the company's service robots as "Physical AI" systems, emphasizing their integration of autonomous navigation with large language models. The presentation focused on how Pudu has built what Zhang described as a multi-billion dollar valuation from its Shenzhen headquarters.
Context
Pudu manufactures autonomous delivery and cleaning robots primarily for restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Since its 2016 founding, the company has deployed over 70,000 units across 60 countries, making it one of the largest service robotics manufacturers by unit volume. Zhang's emphasis on "Physical AI" reflects an industry-wide shift toward marketing robots as embodied intelligence platforms rather than mechanical systems—a positioning that appeals to enterprise customers evaluating generative AI investments.
Industry Impact
Framing service robots as Physical AI infrastructure could reshape how enterprises budget for autonomous systems. Companies currently treat robots as capital equipment purchases, but repositioning them as AI deployment platforms may shift them into software and cloud infrastructure budgets with faster approval cycles. Service robotics growth has plateaued in some markets as customers delay purchases pending clearer ROI data, making the strategic reframing significant.
Zhang's presentation comes as Chinese robotics manufacturers face intensifying competition from Japanese and South Korean rivals in Southeast Asian markets. Pudu recently opened regional offices in Dubai and São Paulo, targeting hospitality sectors in regions where labor costs are rising but remain below Western levels.
