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Xense Robotics, a Chinese <a href="/industry/ai">embodied intelligence</a> startup, has completed a pre-Series A funding round, raising a nine-figure RMB sum. The round was led by Fortera Capital, with participation from <a href="/company/li-auto">Li Auto</a>, BeFor Capital, and Capital for Science &amp; Industry, alongside existing investors GL Ventures, Oriza Seed, and Gobi China.
The proceeds will go toward R&amp;D, product iteration, team expansion, and market development to strengthen the company’s end-to-end capabilities. This marks Xense’s third funding round in 2025, following prior investments from GL Ventures, Agibot, Oriza Seed, Gobi China, Plug and Play China, Jiaotong University Hanyuan Venture Capital, and Xiaomiao Langcheng.
The involvement of Fortera Capital and Li Auto is expected to accelerate Xense’s commercial rollout of tactile sensing technology in industrial settings.
Founded in May 2024 and headquartered in Shanghai, Xense develops multimodal tactile sensing systems for intelligent manipulation. By enhancing robots’ ability to perceive and interact with their surroundings, the company aims to advance embodied intelligence from fine-grained manipulation toward generalized perception.
<h3>A tactile path toward embodied intelligence</h3>
Founder Ma Daolin, who holds a PhD from Peking University, studied under <a href="/industry/robotics">robotics</a> researcher Alberto Rodriguez and focused on integrating vision and tactile sensing into robotic perception. Ma is said to be among the first to propose spatial perception through touch, demonstrating high-precision motion tracking of grasped objects purely via tactile input. Other core members come from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and University College London.
While technologies such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and 3D cameras have matured, manufacturing environments still involve many precision and flexible tasks where visual sensing alone is insufficient. As demand for adaptive and fine manipulation grows, tactile sensing has become critical for embodied systems. It enhances perception, improves adaptability, and enables more human-like feedback and interaction.
According to <a href="https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/tactile-sensor-market/">Verified Market Research</a>, the global tactile sensor market was valued at USD 15.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 35.6 billion by 2031.
<h3>Building an ecosystem</h3>
The performance of embodied manipulation models relies on high-quality tactile data, which can be technically challenging to collect. Traditional tactile sensors often struggle with low resolution, limited multimodal input, poor durability, and high costs, limiting their use in automation.
To address these limitations, Xense Robotics has developed a complete product chain that spans core hardware and system-level platforms, including tactile sensors, data acquisition systems, tactile simulators, actuators, and control systems.
Xense’s multimodal vision-tactile sensors overcome these shortcomings with higher resolution, improved resistance to interference, multimodal fusion, and dynamic response. The technology supports dexterous manipulation, precision assembly, flexible logistics, and human-robot interaction.
The company’s sensors can reportedly detect micron-level shifts and force changes during assembly, helping prevent part jamming and wear. After millions of compression tests, they maintain reliability in high-speed industrial operations. Built-in self-calibration algorithms preserve lifetime accuracy while reducing maintenance frequency and cost. Compact at just four cubic centimeters, the sensors integrate easily into robotic arms and grippers, enabling precision wire insertion and miniature bearing assembly.
In addition, Xense’s solutions can reportedly reduce data collection costs by up to 95%, depending on scale and use case.
By combining proprietary sensors, control systems, and perception algorithms, Xense delivers integrated solutions that have been validated in industrial environments. Its systems can detect subtle force variations and adjust motion in real time, enabling high-precision insertions that legacy robots are unable to perform.
According to Xense, its technologies are already deployed in dexterous manipulation, precision assembly, tactile testing, flexible logistics, and home robotics. Clients include Agibot, Google, X Square Robot, Galbot, and EngineAI. The company has also initiated pilot collaborations with <a href="/company/catl">Contemporary Amperex Technology</a> (CATL), Li Auto, and Haier.
As deployment expands, Xense plans to develop a tactile cloud platform that integrates sensors, data acquisition systems, simulators, and real-world applications. The platform aims to provide high-quality tactile data to enterprises and developers, reducing innovation costs and accelerating the broader adoption of embodied intelligence.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3510172974766979">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

Xense Robotics bets on touch as the next frontier of embodied intelligence

Robotics

Deep Tech

Embodied Intelligence

China

As Singles’ Day nears, what’s expected of Taobao Shangou?

Taobao

East Asia

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Consumer Economy

… million. The investment will be used for team expansion, R&amp;D, equipment procurement, and early market development. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3516133630303365">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Riltide Medicines, an AI-driven pharmaceutical startup, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in seed funding. NRL Capital led the round, with participation from Qingtan Investment. The proceeds will advance preclinical development of its core pipeline and AI-assisted molecular design platform targeting autoimmune diseases. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3514369080548230">36Kr</a></li>
</ul>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Ryder, Verta, Xendit, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ryder, a crypto technology company, has raised USD 3.2 million in a seed funding round led by Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates and an early investor in Facebook, Tesla, and SpaceX. The round also saw participation from Anatoly Yakovenko, founder of Solana; Joe McCann of Asymmetric; and venture capital firms Borderless, Semantic, Smape, and VeryEarly.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.vertabioenergy.com/">Verta Bioenergy</a>, a Singapore-headquartered climate tech startup, secured SGD 1.1 million in seed funding from various investors including Engine Factory, Wright Partners, AlphaGen VC, Auravia Capital, and Jun Umali (Manila Angel Investors Network).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Xendit, a payments infrastructure company, has acquired and integrated Payex, a Bank Negara Malaysia-licensed payment gateway.</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
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Deals in brief: Accel backs Pave Bank, Endowus raises over USD 70 million, Hangry completes Series A5 round, and more

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Alpharithm Investments has announced the global launch of <a href="http://ai-wk.com">AI Work</a>, a platform comprising seven domain-specific artificial intelligence models designed to enhance white-collar workflows across industries. The release marks the firm’s entry into enterprise-grade AI applications for finance, compliance, research, and operations.
The launch comes amid growing debate over how automation will reshape global labor markets. According to the <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2025/03/a-place-for-human-talent-in-the-ai-age-marina-tavares">International Monetary Fund</a>, up to 40% of jobs worldwide could be affected by AI, with higher exposure in advanced economies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged policymakers and businesses to prioritize reskilling and inclusion over inevitability. “We know that many jobs will be, and are already being, lost because of artificial intelligence,” said Gilbert Houngbo, director-general of ILO, in an <a href="https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/hr-technology/ai-should-not-be-seen-in-negative-way-ilo-chief/504013">interview</a> with Human Resources Director. However, he added that “many, many millions of new jobs will be created… in the short, medium term, the delta will remain positive.”
<h3>Seven AI models for a hybrid workforce</h3>
Developed by Alpharithm’s engineering teams, AI Work integrates seven purpose-built models that automate specialized professional tasks once considered resistant to machine learning. Each model is designed to operate as a “digital teammate,” performing defined roles that complement human judgment and creativity.
The seven models include:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Yumi, a multilingual customer service concierge managing calls, chats, and emails across timezones and languages.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Freddie, a recruitment automation engine that handles candidate screening, document verification, and contract generation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Luca, an accounting and financial reporting model that complies with IFRS (international financial reporting standards) and GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles), available free of charge for small businesses.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Saras, a professional-grade content generator that drafts consultant-, banker-, and lawyer-level reports and presentations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Orion, a research automation model producing equity analysis on US and Hong Kong stocks in English and Chinese.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hermes, a real-time intelligence feed delivering market-moving news alerts and historical archives for financial professionals.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Olympus, a simulation engine that models multi-agent market behavior for strategy testing and scenario analysis.</li>
</ul>
Together, these models aim to extend automation beyond repetitive tasks to higher-order cognitive work, redefining the boundaries of professional productivity.
<h3>Balancing automation with human insight</h3>
Alpharithm’s launch aligns with the growing view that AI serves as an amplifier of productivity. Research from <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/generative-ai-could-raise-global-gdp-by-7-percent">Goldman Sachs</a> estimates that widespread AI adoption could raise global GDP by roughly 7% over the next decade, a scale comparable to the personal computer revolution.
To promote inclusive adoption, Alpharithm has pledged to make its accounting model, Luca, free for small businesses. The initiative reflects its commitment to social responsibility and its belief that access to advanced financial automation should not be limited to large enterprises. The pledge also supports the ILO’s call for inclusive digital transformation, emphasizing that training and access to AI tools improve employment resilience and wage growth.
While AI systems increasingly manage formatting, analytics, and procedural tasks, Alpharithm maintains that human judgment remains essential. Professionals still interpret complex data, negotiate terms, and make value-based decisions, areas that define leadership and creativity in a digital workplace. The company views AI Work as a foundation for a hybrid model in which algorithms provide analysis and humans deliver synthesis.
<h3>About AI Work</h3>
AI Work is a global enterprise platform developed by Alpharithm Investments. It offers task-specific AI models designed to enhance productivity across white-collar functions. The suite includes models that automate customer engagement, recruitment, accounting, financial reporting, market intelligence, and research generation. AI Work’s modular architecture enables seamless integration into enterprise systems, supporting firms in building hybrid, data-driven workflows.
This press release was published in partnership with <a href="https://alpharithminv.com/">Alpharithm Investments</a>.

Alpharithm launches AI Work platform to augment white-collar productivity

… “Commission rates dropped eight to nine percentage points, while our listings gained search weight and fast delivery tags,” Chen said. “That created a positive loop: the more we sold, the more visible we became. We’re maintaining third-party fulfillment alongside in-platform warehousing to keep inventory flexible.”
<h3>Targeting Southeast Asia’s high-end parenting market</h3>
As early as August, Goodbaby began preparations for Shopee’s September 9 sales event, coordinating inventory, marketing, and pre-event promotions. On the day, the company said sales surged tenfold compared with normal levels, outpacing the overall market growth rate.
Goodbaby’s team reportedly used predictive models for sales and traffic to guide stock planning, ensuring main SKUs were in local warehouses by late July. It bundled its pocket stroller with accessories such as storage bags at discounted combo prices to protect margins, while adding essentials like bottles and cleaning agents to encourage one-stop shopping and raise average order value.
Marketing efforts started three weeks in advance, securing top banner slots, flash sale placements, and platform vouchers. In the final week, the team said it boosted exposure through Shopee Video and in-store broadcasts. “Our goal was simple,” Chen said. “We wanted premium strollers to go mainstream across Southeast Asia on September 9.”
Looking ahead, Goodbaby plans to deepen its presence in the region’s evolving mom-and-baby market.
“The segment is following China’s premiumization path, but at a faster pace,” Zhan said. “We’re playing three cards early: quality, scenarios, and content.”
Consumers, she added, increasingly value design and safety and are willing to pay for higher-quality materials and technology. Goodbaby’s follow-up to this is the introduction of both European and Chinese safety certifications to bolster its branding in that regard.
Next, the company aims to refine its product strategy around specific use cases while exploring multifunctional designs. On the sales front, content-driven e-commerce is set to feature heavily, with short videos, live streams, and community engagement becoming key channels. Goodbaby is investing early to secure its position.
By combining strong design, high safety standards, and localized operations, Goodbaby is positioning itself to ride Southeast Asia’s premium parenting wave, opening new growth avenues while reinforcing its global resilience.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3501402530749320">article</a> was written by 36Kr Chuhai.

From stroller maker to global parenting brand: Goodbaby’s Southeast Asia expansion

Retail

Southeast Asia

The <a href="/industry/ev">electric vehicle</a> price war is expanding beyond China and into the rest of the world as weakening demand pushes automakers like Tesla and Nissan Motor to slash prices.
On October 7, <a href="/company/tesla">Tesla</a> announced new versions of two flagship models in the US <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/tesla-debuts-affordable-model-y-and-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">priced about 10% lower</a> than the cheapest existing options, with reduced driving range and more basic interiors. The new Model Y sport utility vehicle starts at USD 39,990, USD 5,000 less than the lowest-priced current version.
The move comes after the climate-skeptic administration of US President Donald Trump scrapped a USD 7,500 tax break on EVs introduced under predecessor Joe Biden at the end of September, effectively making the existing Model Y and other popular models around 20% more expensive. Tesla is rushing to roll out more affordable options to avoid losing customers.
Tesla, which controlled more than 80% of the US EV market five years ago, now sits below 50%, and many investors see its latest move as too little for an effective comeback. CEO Elon Musk has long talked about introducing models priced below USD 30,000.
Although Tesla handles steps from battery production to car assembly in the US for cars for the American market, it has a global supply chain for parts and materials. In particular, it relies on imports from China for rare earth metals needed for batteries and motors.
Beijing has tightened control over rare earth production to secure an edge in trade negotiations with the US. Even for Tesla, a major buyer of the minerals, finding alternative sources is not easy. Protracted trade tensions between the US and China limit the automaker's options for cutting costs.
General Motors and Ford Motor have been gradually lowering EV prices, with both companies planning to roll out models below the USD 30,000 mark.
Hyundai Motor is slashing prices for new EV models in the US by up to 20% compared with its existing lineup. CEO Jose Munoz has said the South Korean automaker looks to launch more affordable, competitive EVs in Europe, India, and China.
Price cuts are also cropping up in Japan, which has the lowest EV adoption rate among advanced economies. On October 8, Nissan announced a suggested retail price of about JPY 5.19 million (USD 34,200) for the standard version of <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/nissan-takes-on-foreign-ev-makers-in-japan-with-cheaper-new-leaf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">its revamped Leaf</a>, around JPY 60,000 (USD 395) cheaper than the current equivalent.
That decision comes amid mounting competitive pressure from <a href="/company/byd">BYD</a> and other Chinese automakers, which are using low prices to make inroads in nearby Japan as growth in the Chinese EV market slows. Last month, BYD temporarily discounted popular electric models in Japan by as much as JPY 1.17 million (USD 7,710).
The decline in EV prices owes in large part to efforts by Chinese automotive battery manufacturers to expand worldwide. <a href="/company/catl">Contemporary Amperex Technology</a> (CATL), the top global supplier, is investing in a battery factory with <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/chinese-auto-parts-makers-and-tech-suppliers-gain-european-foothold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European automaker</a> Stellantis.
Goldman Sachs forecasts that while EVs will account for only 15% of global automotive sales this year, growth will start accelerating around 2030, bringing the figure to 52% in 2040. In Europe, EV adoption stalled temporarily with the end of government subsidies, but companies like Volkswagen have recently been going back on the offensive with compact models.
"Over the long term, EV prices will decline worldwide," said Sanshiro Fukao, executive fellow at the Itochu Research Institute. "There'll be a shift from the phase in which the market is shaped by early adopters to a second phase where it's shaped by affordable EVs becoming the mainstream."
Many European and US automakers besides Tesla are losing money on EV operations. The end of purchase subsidies in the US will hit the profitability of companies that relied on government support, making winners and losers clearer and potentially leading to industry restructuring.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/electric-vehicles/tesla-hyundai-nissan-offer-cheaper-evs-as-china-price-war-goes-global">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

Tesla, Hyundai, Nissan offer cheaper EVs as China price war goes global

Tesla

Japan

Nissan

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Mobility

… https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Road-to-Empress-Bianji-Gaoyang-720x405.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Road-to-Empress-Bianji-Gaoyang-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Road-to-Empress-Bianji-Gaoyang-768x432.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Road-to-Empress-Bianji-Gaoyang-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Road-to-Empress-Bianji-Gaoyang-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-157881" class="wp-caption-text">A cutscene from Road to Empress showing monk Bianji carrying princess Gaoyang to safety from a burning building. Image source: New One Studio.</figcaption></figure>
Still, some players say Road to Empress offers limited freedom of choice. Numerous branching paths reportedly end in the protagonist’s death, leading to complaints that most alternate endings result in failure. This restriction may stem from the genre’s high production costs. Unlike traditional television shoots, interactive film games require multiple versions of each scene with corresponding changes in performance and styling, significantly raising expenses. Industry insiders told 36Kr that Road to Empress likely cost tens of millions of RMB to produce.
<h3>A nuanced strategy</h3>
Beyond its creative strengths, Road to Empress also reflects a mature approach to marketing and commercialization. Promotional campaigns have appeared across <a href="/company/xiaohongshu">Xiaohongshu</a>, Weibo, WeChat, Tencent Video, and <a href="/company/bilibili">Bilibili</a>. Users who engage with related content often encounter targeted ads featuring sped-up walkthroughs of the game.
On its official Weibo account, the marketing strategy mirrors that of mainstream TV dramas: lead actors interact directly with fans, while brand partnerships roll out steadily. Since launch, Road to Empress has collaborated with Luoyang Culture and Tourism Investment Group and Lenovo, among others.
<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent’s</a> ecosystem has played a dominant role in the game’s distribution. New One Studio is supported by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group, and multiple TiMi titles—including Honor of Kings, Delta Force, Yuan Meng Star, and Craz3 Match—have held cross-promotional events with Road to Empress. Meanwhile, Tencent Video continues to feature the game prominently on its homepage carousel.
This multi-platform push helped Road to Empress trend repeatedly on social media, reportedly generating more than 1.2 billion mentions across platforms. Strong content combined with an aggressive marketing strategy has solidified its success. Yet the game also highlights the high cost of quality production and sustained promotion, factors that make comparable success stories difficult to reproduce.
Producer Demi noted that Road to Empress has yet to turn a profit, and its sales have not changed broader market perceptions of the genre’s revenue potential. Still, the title carries substantial commercial expectations. According to Shanghai Observer, four of the top 15 Chinese titles on Steam in the first half of this year were interactive film games. With the breakout success of Road to Empress, the category’s future looks increasingly promising.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3503329057971076">article</a> was written by Lan Jie for 36Kr.

Road to Empress tops one million sales, revives China’s interactive film genre

Entertainment

Gaming

Video

Creative

Content

… approximately 98,300 units, an increase of about 693%. Seyond, meanwhile, shipped only 5,000 units during the same period, despite securing orders from Zelos and Tongdy, well behind its competitors in scale.
Leading LiDAR manufacturers are now pursuing a two-pronged strategy. For Hesai, the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) segment remains the core business, contributing most of its revenue and gross profit. Meanwhile, the robotics segment, though smaller in scale, helps lift margins and enhance valuation potential.
In this environment, Seyond faces a difficult position. Its ADAS business is under intense competitive and pricing pressure, while its robotics offerings are still far from commercial maturity. Even with a SPAC listing, Seyond’s uphill battle is only beginning.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3514017849678723">article</a> was written by Song Wanxin for 36Kr.

LiDAR maker Seyond pursues SPAC listing after losing ground to rivals

Hong Kong

… such sensitive data in-house, they create high entry barriers for external AI vendors, leaving limited room for independent firms like Nova Insight.
<h3>Why pursue an independent IPO?</h3>
As insurers expand in-house AI capabilities, Nova Insight’s decision to go public raises questions. For one, why did ZhongAn invest in an external AI company rather than develop solutions internally? Two factors may explain this.
First, while large insurers can afford proprietary AI systems, smaller and mid-sized firms still rely on external vendors for digital transformation. This leaves market space for independent firms like Nova Insight.
Second, ZhongAn’s own financial performance has been volatile, suggesting possible capital recycling motives.
Currently, three shareholders each hold stakes of 10% or more: ZhongAn Insurance with 31.65%, Nova Insight’s chairman and CEO Lu Min with 28.76%, and HongShan with 15.9%.
According to Wind data, ZhongAn’s net profit over the past five years was RMB 554 million (USD 77.6 million), RMB 1.17 billion (USD 164 million), a loss of RMB 1.36 billion (USD 190.4 million), RMB 4.08 billion (USD 571 million), and RMB 603 million (USD 84 million). Operating profit fluctuated similarly. By mid-2025, ZhongAn recorded a net cash outflow of RMB 373 million (USD 52.2 million).
If Nova Insight’s IPO succeeds, ZhongAn could benefit from a valuation uplift and potential partial exit, improving its balance sheet optics.
Market conditions have also turned more favorable. Hong Kong’s average daily turnover rose 118% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with IPO fundraising surpassing all of 2024 and reclaiming the global top spot.
ZhongAn’s share price has risen more than 40% year-to-date as of October 15, while other major insurers—Ping An, China Pacific, China Life, PICC, and New China Life—have also gained significantly.
Regulatory reforms, including dynamic adjustments to assumed interest rates and unified reporting standards, have reduced liability costs and improved insurers’ balance sheets.
Meanwhile, stable bond yields, a “slow bull” equity market, and looser liquidity under expected US rate cuts have drawn more capital into Hong Kong. Sector valuations remain below historical averages, leading analysts to project continued upside for insurance stocks.
Against this backdrop, if Nova Insight’s IPO proceeds, it could turn ZhongAn’s long-term strategic bet into a well-timed market opportunity.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3512743785159811">article</a> was written by Wang Hanyu for 36Kr.

ZhongAn’s Nova Insight files for Hong Kong IPO amid mounting losses

Insurance