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ABB Launches New Robot Families for China’s Mid-Sized Market to Boost Automation

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Swiss engineering giant ABB (ABBN.S) announced on Wednesday the launch of three new families of factory robots specifically designed for the Chinese market, aiming to capitalize on growing automation demand among mid-sized companies. These new robots will serve sectors such as electronics, food and beverage, and metals, performing tasks like polishing and product placement on production lines.

ABB highlighted that China’s mid-market segment, where robots handle simpler tasks like pick-and-place operations, packaging, and basic inspections, is expected to grow by 8% annually in value over the next three years—significantly faster than the global robotics industry in recent years. This surge is driven by labor shortages and the increasing ease of operating robotics technology, aided by advances in artificial intelligence.

The new ABB robot families—Lite+, PoWa, and IRB1200—offer different arm load capacities and speeds tailored to customer needs. One model can be set up and operational within 60 minutes of unpacking and can be programmed using voice commands or by demonstration. Pricing for these robots, along with controllers and equipment, ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $100,000.

China remains the largest robotics market globally, accounting for 51% of new robot installations worldwide in 2023, according to the International Federation of Robotics. It is also ABB’s biggest market for robotics, making up about 30% of the company’s robotics business.

Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s robotics and discrete automation division, downplayed concerns about potential impacts from U.S. tariffs on China, citing the strong domestic market and persistent labor shortages as key demand drivers. The robots will be manufactured at ABB’s new Shanghai factory.

Earlier this year, ABB announced plans to spin off its robotics division, which competes with Japan’s FANUC, Yaskawa, and Germany’s Kuka. Atiya said the spin-off remains on track for completion by Q2 2026 but did not disclose potential valuations or buyer interest, noting that while ABB is open to discussions, their primary goal is to proceed with the spin-off.

Two Chinese AI Chip Firms Target $1.7 Billion IPOs Amid U.S. Export Curbs

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Two Chinese artificial intelligence chipmakers, Moore Threads and MetaX, are seeking to raise a combined 12 billion yuan ($1.65 billion) through initial public offerings (IPOs) on Shanghai’s STAR Market, according to filings released Monday. The companies are betting that U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors will drive demand for homegrown alternatives.

Beijing-based Moore Threads aims to raise 8 billion yuan, while Shanghai-based MetaX targets 3.9 billion yuan. Both firms design graphics processing units (GPUs)—vital components for AI applications—and are attempting to position themselves as domestic challengers to Nvidia, whose chips are now largely restricted from sale in China.

Their listing bids come as China accelerates its push for semiconductor self-sufficiency amid tightening U.S. sanctions. In April, Washington imposed additional curbs that banned Nvidia’s popular H20 chips from export to China. Earlier restrictions have also blocked Chinese chipmakers from using top-tier global foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

Although both Moore Threads and MetaX acknowledged in their IPO filings that U.S. sanctions present operational challenges, they also highlighted the market opportunity those restrictions have created. “U.S. restrictions… are prompting Chinese companies to accelerate domestic substitution,” Moore Threads stated. Similarly, MetaX noted that geopolitical pressures are “forcing domestic clients to use domestically-produced GPU products.”

Financially, both firms remain deep in the red.

  • Moore Threads reported 2024 revenue of 438 million yuan but posted a loss of 1.49 billion yuan, adding to losses of 1.67 billion yuan in 2023 and 1.84 billion yuan in 2022.

  • MetaX had 2024 revenue of 743 million yuan with a 1.4 billion yuan loss, following losses of 871 million yuan in 2023 and 777 million yuan in 2022.

Despite these losses, analysts say that access to China’s capital markets is critical for these startups to scale R&D and reach economies of scale. “Moore Threads and MetaX are both considered leading GPU firms in China,” said He Hui, semiconductor research director at Omdia. “IPO funding is essential to sustain innovation and growth.”

Founded in 2020, both companies were launched by veterans of major U.S. chipmakers.

  • MetaX’s leadership includes former AMD executives, notably Chairman Chen Weiliang, AMD’s former global head of GPU product line design.

  • Moore Threads was founded by ex-Nvidia personnel, including Chairman Zhang Jianzhong, previously Nvidia’s general manager in China.

These two firms join a rapidly expanding field of Chinese AI chipmakers such as Huawei, Cambricon, and Hygon, all seeking to fill the void left by restricted foreign chip supply and capitalize on Beijing’s semiconductor independence ambitions.

US May Target Samsung, Hynix, and TSMC Operations in China by Revoking Trade Authorizations

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The U.S. Department of Commerce is considering revoking authorizations granted in recent years to major chipmakers Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC that allow them to receive U.S. goods and technology at their manufacturing plants in China, sources familiar with the matter said. This potential move would complicate operations for these foreign semiconductor firms in China, where they produce chips used across many industries.

While the likelihood of the U.S. actually withdrawing these authorizations remains uncertain, officials view the tactic as a contingency if the current trade truce between the U.S. and China deteriorates. A White House official emphasized that the U.S. is “just laying the groundwork” and expressed confidence the trade agreement would continue, including the agreed supply of rare earth minerals from China. The official clarified that “there is currently no intention of deploying this tactic,” but it remains a tool in case bilateral relations worsen.

Following early reports, shares of U.S. semiconductor equipment suppliers that serve Chinese plants dropped: KLA Corp fell 2.4%, Lam Research declined 1.9%, and Applied Materials sank 2%. Conversely, shares of Micron Technology, a key competitor to Samsung and SK Hynix in memory chips, rose 1.5%.

TSMC declined to comment, while Samsung and SK Hynix did not respond to requests for comment. Lam Research, KLA, and Applied Materials also did not immediately respond.

Background: In October 2022, the U.S. imposed broad restrictions on chipmaking equipment exports to China but provided foreign firms like Samsung and SK Hynix with letters authorizing shipments. In 2023 and 2024, these companies received “Validated End User” (VEU) status, which allows them to obtain U.S.-controlled products more quickly and reliably without needing multiple export licenses. However, VEU status comes with conditions such as equipment prohibitions and reporting requirements.

A Commerce Department spokesperson said chipmakers would still be able to operate in China if the authorizations are revoked. The enforcement mechanisms would align with licensing rules for other semiconductor firms exporting to China, ensuring the U.S. applies an equal and reciprocal approach.

Industry insiders warn that stricter U.S. controls could unintentionally benefit Chinese domestic competitors by making it harder for foreign companies to receive equipment, calling such a move “a gift” to China’s semiconductor industry.