Ant Group, the parent company of Alipay, has introduced its first humanoid robot, named R1, at technology conferences this month. This move positions Ant Group alongside other companies exploring the convergence of artificial intelligence and physical technology in the automation sector.
R1, developed by Shanghai Ant Lingbo Technology Co., a subsidiary of Ant Group, was showcased at the IFA 2025 tech show in Berlin. Reports and video footage documented R1 preparing shrimp for attendees. Simultaneously, Bloomberg reported that the same robot was presented at the 2025 Inclusion Conference in Shanghai.
According to Robbyant, the robot’s applications extend beyond culinary tasks. The company envisions R1 serving as a companion or caregiver in healthcare settings. Furthermore, the robot has been suggested for use as a robotic tour guide within the travel sector.
The company has not yet disclosed a launch date or pricing details for R1. Current testing is reportedly taking place in community centers and restaurants. Observations from the IFA 2025 event indicate performance limitations. An example cited R1’s slow movement when placing a box on a counter.
Ant Group’s foray into AI-driven robotics mirrors similar initiatives, for example, Tesla. Despite historical challenges of inflated expectations and gradual advancement, there is optimism that software innovations could accelerate progress in the robotics domain.
