Roger Jiang, a former engineer at OpenAI, has launched a new robotics company named Light Robotics, with headquarters in Singapore and Shenzhen. Established in August 2024, the company is focused on developing general-purpose robots for consumer use, including companion robots, marking its entry into the competitive robotics market.
Jiang, who previously contributed to the development of OpenAI’s GPT-4 in reinforcement learning, data analysis, and contamination investigations, is now channeling his expertise into building intelligent machines. According to its LinkedIn page, Light Robotics, also known as Liangyuan Xinchuang in Chinese, is actively hiring in Singapore and Shanghai, where it has already established a local subsidiary.
This move comes at a time when China is rapidly advancing its robotics industry, driven by governmental support and an ambitious vision to integrate humanoid robots into daily life. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aims to achieve mass production of humanoid robots by 2025 and position the sector as a key driver of economic growth by 2027.
Over the past year, Chinese tech companies have unveiled a range of humanoid robots at expos in Beijing and Shanghai. Tesla’s Optimus made an appearance as the only foreign competitor, underscoring the growing competition in this space. Local authorities have also intensified efforts to support the robotics sector, with the Chongqing municipal government pledging subsidies of up to 10 million yuan (approximately $1.37 million) for robotics firms.
Light Robotics’ entry into the market aligns with these developments. The company’s focus on consumer-facing robots suggests it aims to address practical needs and capitalize on rising demand for intelligent machines in homes and other everyday environments.
The broader industry is benefitting from a surge in supportive policies, which are expected to be reinforced during China’s central economic work conference. The conference, which sets the nation’s economic agenda, has emphasized the importance of scientific and technological innovation in building a modern industrial ecosystem.
By establishing offices in both Singapore and China, Light Robotics is strategically positioned to tap into the expertise and market opportunities in these regions. Its entry signals an exciting new phase in the race to develop next-generation robots that can integrate seamlessly into people’s daily lives.
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