Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics

What Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics does

The Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR) is an InnoCentre established in May 2020 by The Chinese University of Hong Kong under the Hong Kong government's InnoHK initiative, with co-leadership from UC Berkeley. The center conducts R&D in robotics and AI targeted at logistics applications, spanning the full technology stack from component technologies (ViaTac tactile sensors, Sirius actuators with up to 280 Nm/kg torque density, 3D imaging sensors) through embodied AI algorithms (vision-language foundation models, grasping frameworks, multimodal 3D SLAM) to integrated robot systems (force-controlled collaborative arms, Sirius quadruped robots, dual-arm manipulation platforms, UAVs, wearable exoskeletons, and self-driving logistics vehicles). Its research output is validated by publication in Science Robotics and Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions Gold Medals.

HKCLR operates a hybrid business model: as a research center it is funded by InnoHK government grants and collaborative R&D contracts with departments such as the Drainage Services Department (Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot for sewage inspection), Highways Department (autonomous road inspection), and Labour Department (occupational safety robots). Commercialization flows through four spin-off companies — AIeveR Robotics (embodied AI and dual-arm manipulators), Sota Robotics (MightySort and MagicSort waste-sorting robots deployed in Hong Kong recycling plants), Cartesius Robotics (lawn-mowing robots for European, U.S., Japanese and Australian landscaping markets), and CU-Craft (CU-Astro drone platform) — which pursue independent B2B sales and licensing. In May 2026 the center launched the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab with 24 industry, investment, and technology partners including Lenovo Capital, China Resources, Hangzhou Unitree, and VinMotion, formalizing a multi-stakeholder platform for technology transfer.

The center's primary customers are Hong Kong government agencies for applied R&D, with secondary commercial customers served through the spin-off subsidiaries across logistics, manufacturing, recycling, landscaping, and smart-city verticals in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and selected international markets. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and the center does not sell products directly; revenue accrues via grants, collaborative R&D contracts, and minority equity/licensing exposure to spin-offs.

Name

Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics

Legal name

Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics

Website

https://hkclr.hk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Short description

HKCLR is an InnoHK robotics and AI research center established by CUHK in May 2020 that develops full-stack embodied AI systems (sensors, actuators, vision-language models, quadruped and dual-arm robots) for the logistics industry, serving Hong Kong government agencies directly and commercial customers through four spin-off subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Logistics Robotics R&D

NAICS

Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392), Transportation and Warehousing (48-49), Support Activities for Transportation (488)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Warehouse Robotics (HDAAAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Robot Software, Autonomy Stacks & Simulation (ROS, digital twins) (HDAAAIAK), Supply Chain & Warehouse Automation (Smart Logistics) (IMAIAMAJ), Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management (TLAEAKAC), Warehouse Automation Systems (AS/RS, Shuttle Systems, Vertical Lift Modules) (IMAHABAK)

Keywords

• Logistics robotics
• Embodied AI
• Robotic manipulation
• Autonomous inspection
• Robotic actuators

Headquarters

HQ city

Aberdeen

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Government Funding: Funded by InnoHK, the Hong Kong government's flagship R&D platform, and the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). Revenue supports core R&D in logistics robotics and AI applications.
2. Technology Licensing and Spin-off Revenue: Commercialization of research outcomes through spin-off companies including AIeveR Robotics (embodied AI robotic products), Sota Robotics (waste sorting/recycling), Cartesius Robotics (lawn-mowing robots), and CU-Craft (drone systems). Spin-offs generate revenue through product sales and licensing.
3. Collaborative R&D Contracts: Joint development projects with government departments (Drainage Services Department, Highways Department) and industry partners, including the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab with 24 industry and investment partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics (HKCLR) is an InnoHK research center established by The Chinese University of Hong Kong that conducts R&D in robotics and AI for the logistics industry. It develops full-stack technologies spanning component technologies (3D imaging sensors, tactile sensors, actuators, soft robot hands, visual servo controllers), embodied AI algorithms (vision foundation models, 3D SLAM, grasping frameworks), and integrated robot systems (collaborative arms, quadruped robots, UAVs, exoskeletons, self-driving vehicles), commercializing outputs via four spin-off companies.

Product overview

HKCLR operates as a robotics research and development center with a portfolio of core robotic products and spin-off companies. The portfolio includes high-performance quadruped robots (Sirius series), force-controlled robot arms, the dual-arm manipulation platform, and specialized inspection robots like the TIB Robot for sewage tunnels. Supporting components include ViaTac tactile sensors, Sirius Actuators, and 3D imaging sensors. The spin-off ecosystem includes AIeveR Robotics (Smart Sorting Systems), Sota Robotics (MightySort and MagicSort waste sorting robots), CU-Craft (CU-Astro Drone), and Cartesius Robotics (lawn-mowing robots). The Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab serves as the central research platform for embodied AI development, integrating multimodal perception for logistics applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ViaTac Tactile Sensor Low-cost tactile and skin sensor enabling robots to sense contact and pressure during manipulation tasks for logistics and service robot applications.
• Sirius Actuator Series High power-density actuators designed for robotic applications requiring precise and powerful motion control with high torque and low weight.
• Robust 3D Imaging Sensors High-speed 3D sensors enabling robots to perceive and map environments for navigation, manipulation, and industrial inspection tasks.
• Force-Controlled Robot Arms Safe, low-cost force-controlled robotic arms with millimeter-level precision for logistics manipulation and warehouse operations.
• Sirius Quadruped Robots High-performance all-terrain quadruped robots with differential drive and visual navigation for autonomous inspection, surveillance, and traversal of challenging terrain.
• Dual-Arm Manipulation Platform Mobile manipulation platform featuring dual-arm coordination with multimodal sensing for complex logistics tasks requiring handling of multiple objects.
• Tumbler Inspection Ball (TIB) Robot Autonomous ball-shaped robot for inspecting sewage tunnels and underground pipes, capturing 360-degree HD video and precise positioning data in turbulent water.
• Smart Medicine Box Automated medication dispensing system for healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics, ensuring accurate medicine handling and distribution.
• Drone and IoT Site Monitoring System Automated site monitoring solution combining drone aerial surveillance with IoT sensors for comprehensive construction and logistics site oversight.
• MightySort Waste Sorting Robot Automated waste sorting robot developed by Sota Robotics for separation of scrap metal, WEEE, MSW, and construction waste in recycling facilities.
• MagicSort Recycling Robot Recycling sorting robot developed by Sota Robotics specializing in automated identification and separation of metal, plastic, paper, and glass recyclable materials.
• Smart Sorting Systems Automated sorting solutions developed by AIeveR Robotics for logistics and warehouse applications, enabling efficient handling of packages and goods.
• CU-Astro Drone Autonomous drone platform developed by CU-Craft for aerial logistics, building inspection, and smart city infrastructure diagnostics applications.
• Lawn-Mowing Robots Autonomous smart lawn-mowing robots developed by Cartesius Robotics for grounds maintenance in complex environments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3D inspection system completes a 4m x 9m floor slab inspection in under 2 minutes, doubling efficiency compared to manual methods while significantly improving measurement accuracy
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 智元創新（上海）科技股份有限公司coreTechnology or Integration · 18 May 2026Partner in the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab ecosystem. Contributes to embodied AI technology development and commercialization in collaboration with HKCLR's full-stack robotics platform.
• 威裕環球集團coreTechnology or Integration · 18 May 2026Partner in the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab ecosystem for collaborative R&D and technology transfer in logistics and automation solutions.
• 杭州宇樹科技有限公司coreTechnology or Integration · 18 May 2026Leading quadruped robot manufacturer and partner in the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab, contributing to quadruped robot R&D and market expansion.
• 華潤科學技術研究院有限公司coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Strategic R&D partner in the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab from China Resources group for technology transfer and industry applications.
• 廣州華商學院minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Academic partner in the Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab for talent cultivation and research collaboration in AI and robotics education.
• 香港渠務署 (DSD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Long-standing government collaborator on the Tumbler Inspection Ball (TIB) Robot for sewage tunnel inspection. Joint development partner for multiple inspection robot applications.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2023Strategic partnership for hosting HKCLR at Hong Kong Science Park. Three-party agreement signed in July 2023 with Lenovo Group and CUHK to nurture next-generation scholars and entrepreneurs.
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2020Founding institution and primary academic partner. HKCLR is an InnoCentre established by CUHK in May 2020 under the InnoHK initiative. CUHK provides research infrastructure, faculty, and students.
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2020International academic partner collaborating with CUHK on robotics R&D. Prof. Masayoshi Tomizuka from UC Berkeley serves as Co-Director of HKCLR. Joint research and talent development programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AutoStore: Global warehouse-automation company specializing in cubic storage and robotic piece-picking systems. Comparable end-customers (logistics, e-commerce, 3PL) and overlapping problem space with HKCLR's automated storage and retrieval research.
• Geek+: China-headquartered global leader in warehouse robotics (AMRs, sorting robots, picking systems) for logistics and supply-chain customers. Comparable product overlap with HKCLR's sorting, picking, and warehouse-manipulation research and with AIeveR Robotics' smart sorting systems.
• DeepRobotics: China-based quadruped robot developer (Hangzhou Yunshenchu) and partner in HKCLR's Embodied AI Lab. Closely comparable product category to HKCLR's Sirius quadrupeds and to Cartesius/CU-Craft outdoor-navigation robotics.
• Unitree Robotics: China-based quadruped and humanoid robotics company that is a partner in HKCLR's Hong Kong Embodied AI Lab ecosystem. Direct comparable on quadruped hardware (HKCLR's Sirius series) and on commercialization pace of legged robots in logistics/inspection.
• Symbotic: US-listed warehouse and logistics robotics company deploying AI-driven automated sortation, storage, and retrieval systems at enterprise scale. Directly comparable to HKCLR's smart-sorting and logistics-manipulation R&D, and to spin-off AIeveR Robotics' commercial roadmap.
• Locus Robotics: Provider of autonomous mobile robots for warehouse order fulfillment, widely deployed across retail, logistics, and 3PL customers. Comparable to HKCLR's logistics-manipulation and warehouse-automation roadmap targeting Hong Kong and regional 3PL customers.
• Berkshire Grey: AI-enabled robotics company providing robotic picking, sorting, and fulfillment solutions for logistics and retail supply chains. Direct competitor profile to AIeveR Robotics' smart sorting systems and to HKCLR's grasping/manipulation research.

Broad incumbents

• ABB Robotics: Global industrial automation incumbent offering collaborative arms, autonomous mobile robots, and logistics-automation solutions. Comparable broad product overlap with HKCLR's force-controlled arms, integrated systems, and logistics-manipulation research.
• Boston Dynamics: Established global leader in advanced robotics with commercially deployed quadruped (Spot) and humanoid (Atlas) platforms. Comparable to HKCLR's Sirius quadruped and dual-arm humanoid platforms, but operates at vastly greater commercial scale and capital intensity.

Emerging players

• Agility Robotics: US-based developer of Digit, a bipedal humanoid robot targeting logistics and warehouse applications. Comparable forward-looking roadmap to HKCLR's announced dual-arm humanoid mobile manipulation platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hkclr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics