Unlike permanently installed robotic arms, humanoid systems are mobile, versatile and capable of learning.
AI-supported perception and motion planning enable them to perform a variety of tasks instead of just one.
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With embodied AI: PIA ushers in the era of humanoid industrial automation
Humanoid robots and embodied artificial intelligence are enabling a new era of automation. PIA integrates humanoid robots into industrial environments, allowing them to perform complex, repetitive, and hazardous industrial tasks. By combining AI-supported sensory feedback, adaptive learning, physical strength, PIA delivers highly efficient automation solutions that can quickly adapt to changing workflows. These new generations of robots expand the productivity of classic automation and enable genuine human-machine cooperation on the shop floor. With years of industry expertise, in-house research and development, and its own production facilities, PIA develops scalable, safe, and practical humanoid robotics solutions for an adaptable and future-proof industry.
More flexibility
Unlike permanently installed robotic arms, humanoid systems are mobile, versatile and capable of learning.
AI-supported perception and motion planning enable them to perform a variety of tasks instead of just one.
Reduced strain
Humanoid robots can be used specifically to:
- Automate physically demanding tasks
- Ensure shift operation
Scalability and potentially high ROI
Early pilot projects show that humanoid robots can achieve payback periods of less than a year, particularly in logistics and simple assembly.
Declining production costs and technical advances increase the return on investment.
Improved production resilience
Through the combination of mobility and learning ability, humanoid robots can:
- Compensate for bottlenecks
- Compensate for downtime
- tabilise production
Use of existing infrastructure
Humanoid robots are built to resemble humans (arms, legs, torso) and can therefore work in existing workplaces without the need for costly factory conversions.
More flexibility
Reduced strain
Humanoid robots can be used specifically to:
- Automate physically demanding tasks
- Ensure shift operation
Scalability and potentially high ROI
Early pilot projects show that humanoid robots can achieve payback periods of less than a year, particularly in logistics and simple assembly.
Declining production costs and technical advances increase the return on investment.
Improved production resilience
Through the combination of mobility and learning ability, humanoid robots can:
- Compensate for bottlenecks
- Compensate for downtime
- tabilise production
Use of existing infrastructure
Humanoid robots are built to resemble humans (arms, legs, torso) and can therefore work in existing workplaces without the need for costly factory conversions.
2022
2022
Start 2022
- PIA began comprehensive planning for AI and robotics applications featuring embodied intelligence in the industrial sector and established the systematic development and application of artificial intelligence as one of its core strategies.
2023
2023
September 2023
- Establishment of the PIA Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Humanoid Robots.
- Launch of PIA Embodied AI.
2024
2024
January 2024
- Launch of P-Bot 1.0 the first humanoid robot developed by PIA.
July 2024
- Release of in-house developed core sensor kits.
September 2024
- Launch of P-Bot 2.0, the upgraded humanoid robot.
2025
2025
April 2025
- Establishment of Ningbo Joybot Robotics , a joint venture with AGIBOT integrating secondary research and development as well as independent production.Official inauguration of the Ningbo Embodied Intelligent Robot Innovation Center, supported by the Ningbo Municipal Government and fully operated by PIA Automation.
July 2025
- Ningbo Joybot Robotics officially commenced production.
Late August 2025
- The first batch of 200 bipedal and rolling embodied intelligence robots rolled off the production line and was delivered.
October 2025
- 16 October 2025: Joint launch of I-Bot 2.0 with AGIBOT– a specialised embodied intelligence robot for industrial scenarios. At the same time, Joybot Robotics announced the expansion of its production capacity to over 3,000 units per year.
- The Ningbo Embodied Intelligence Innovation Centre was officially put into operation. The centre was built with 1:1 replicas of various industrial scenarios and integrates functions such as data collection, algorithm training, customised development and industrial incubation. It was designed to address the ‘last mile’ challenge for the industrial implementation of embodied intelligence robots.
- The PIA & AGIBOT Joint R&D Laboratory was established in Shanghai. Leveraging their respective strengths, the two parties are conducting joint research and development in the areas of foundational models, universal toolchains, algorithms, data collection, model training, industrial scenario implementation and large-scale commercialisation, thereby reshaping the new form of intelligent manufacturing.
December 2025
- Launch of the first pre‑operational field trials of the I‑Bot 2.0 humanoid robot. Deployed in a retractor‑housing feeding scenario at the Joyson Safety factory, I‑Bot 2.0 demonstrates seamless integration of hand–eye–body coordination and network intelligence in a real industrial environment.
2026
2026
Further development of humanoid robots for the industry of tomorrow:
- Continuous improvement of all robot types· AI-supported optimisation models integrated
- Increased precision, stability and flexibility
- Expanded applicability in industrial processes
Organisation & Business Areas
These three business areas cover PIA’s entire value chain in the field of Embodied AI and humanoid robotics.
PIA thus offers scalable, high-performance and market-ready solutions for the smart manufacturing of the future - all from a single source.
AI & HR Research Institute
Ningbo PIA AI & HR Research Institute Co., Ltd. focuses on the further development of industry-relevant AI. It develops process-level algorithms of embodied AI and toolchains for industrial environments, enabling the deployment of embodied AI across real-world industrial applications.
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