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Hangmo Tech raises 100M RMB for intelligent variable-stiffness joints

Hangmo Tech raises 100M RMB for intelligent variable-stiffness joints
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💡Learn how variable-stiffness hardware combined with AI models is solving energy and safety bottlenecks in robotics.

⚡ 30-Second TL;DR

What Changed

Secured nearly 100 million RMB in angel funding from investors including Zhongtou Wanfang.

Why It Matters

The integration of variable-stiffness hardware with AI-driven perception models marks a significant step toward safer, more energy-efficient human-robot interaction in industrial and rehabilitation settings.

What To Do Next

Evaluate the use of variable-stiffness actuators in your next robotic design to improve safety and energy efficiency in human-collaborative environments.

Who should care:Developers & AI Engineers

🧠 Deep Insight

AI-generated analysis for this event.

🔑 Enhanced Key Takeaways

  • Hangmo Tech's founding team originates from the Beihang University Robotics Institute, specifically leveraging years of research in biomechatronics and soft robotics.
  • The company's variable-stiffness technology utilizes a proprietary mechanical design that allows for real-time adjustment of joint compliance without requiring complex sensor feedback loops.
  • The IRMO M1 exoskeleton targets specific industrial scenarios such as logistics and construction, focusing on reducing musculoskeletal strain for workers performing repetitive heavy lifting.
  • The EPA large model architecture integrates multimodal sensor fusion, allowing the exoskeleton to predict user intent by analyzing both environmental visual data and internal proprioceptive joint feedback.
  • The angel round funding is earmarked for scaling production capacity and establishing a dedicated R&D center in Beijing to accelerate the iteration of the FlexmoJoint series.
📊 Competitor Analysis▸ Show
FeatureHangmo Tech (FlexmoJoint)Fourier IntelligenceULS Robotics
Core TechVariable-Stiffness JointsForce-Feedback ActuatorsIndustrial Exoskeletons
Target MarketIndustrial/ConsumerMedical/RehabIndustrial/Logistics
AI IntegrationEPA Large ModelClinical Data ModelsTask-Specific Algorithms
PricingCompetitive (Startup)Premium (Medical)Mid-Range (Industrial)

🛠️ Technical Deep Dive

  • FlexmoJoint Architecture: Employs a dual-motor antagonistic configuration to achieve variable stiffness, enabling the joint to switch between rigid and compliant states in under 50ms.
  • Energy Recovery Mechanism: Utilizes regenerative braking during the deceleration phase of the gait cycle, feeding energy back into the battery system to achieve the reported 31.2% efficiency gain.
  • EPA Model Implementation: The Exteroception layer processes RGB-D camera data for terrain mapping, while the Proprioception layer monitors joint torque and angle at 1kHz frequency to ensure stability.
  • Material Science: Incorporates carbon-fiber reinforced polymers in the exoskeleton frame to maintain a high strength-to-weight ratio, keeping the total unit weight under 8kg.

🔮 Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources

Hangmo Tech will pivot toward human-robot collaboration (HRC) in manufacturing.
The focus on impact resistance and adaptive stiffness is a prerequisite for safe, un-caged interaction between robots and human workers in shared spaces.
The company will likely license its FlexmoJoint technology to third-party humanoid robot manufacturers.
Variable-stiffness actuators are a critical bottleneck for humanoid robots requiring natural, human-like movement, creating a high-value B2B market opportunity.

Timeline

2024-05
Hangmo Tech officially incorporated in Beijing by Beihang University research team.
2025-02
Successful prototype testing of the first-generation FlexmoJoint module.
2026-03
Completion of the IRMO M1 exoskeleton pilot testing in industrial logistics environments.
2026-06
Announcement of nearly 100 million RMB angel funding round led by Zhongtou Wanfang.
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Original source: 36氪