Amid a growing worldwide appetite for robots and Hong Kong’s push to position itself as a hub for the robotics industry, Chinese mainland robotics startups, speaking at two Hong Kong electronics expos that opened on Monday, said they plan to expand their research and development operations to the city, following the establishment of sales networks.

The 45th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia — an exhibition featuring electronic components and production technology — have brought in more than 3,200 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions. Hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, the four-day event introduced RoboPark zone for the first time, showing robotics applications in business, rehabilitation, and daily life.

PaXini Tech, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has been demonstrating its humanoid robots equipped with tactile sensors, a feature that enhances precision in force control. Nie Xiangru, co-founder and chief operating officer, told China Daily the company plans to open a Hong Kong office this year or in early 2026, which will focus on R&D, the recruitment of global professionals, and overseas business expansion.

The company is working with universities and enterprises in Hong Kong, which have purchased its dexterous arms and robots for research projects, Nie said. “Hong Kong is not just a hub for advanced technologies but also a window for us to the world,” he added. Through platforms like the trade fairs, PaXini Tech has built collaborations with international clients, mainly from the United States, Japan, and Germany.

Shanghai Qingbao Robot Co, which specializes in humanoid robots with flexibly controlled facial movements, aims to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong to recruit international talent and widen sales channels.  

The demand for humanoid robots is increasingly high in overseas markets, and they could help fill gaps in elderly care and companionship in aging societies, Wang Lei, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, said. Around 70 percent of potential clients Wang talked with on the opening morning of the trade fairs were from overseas, he added. Qingbao’s products are sold in seven markets, including Cambodia and South Korea, and Wang said he believes Hong Kong is a springboard for further growth in Southeast Asia.  

Deep Robotics, a member of Hangzhou’s renowned “six little dragons” — a cluster of leading startups in Zhejiang province — showed its quadruped robots designed for rugged tasks such as outdoor inspections and rescue.

Daniel Wong, business development manager at Hong Kong Logistics Technology and Systems Ltd, which represents Deep Robotics in Hong Kong, said demand for such solutions is particularly strong among government agencies like the Fire Services Department.

While the company’s current focus is on developing tailored solutions for local clients, Wong said there is an opportunity for the “dragon” to set up assembly or R&D offices in Hong Kong in the future. 

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Shenzhen DeyeeMed, a company specializing in the development of robots for health and therapy applications, showcased two innovative products designed for moxibustion treatment and massage therapies. Their massage robot is capable of identifying human acupoints and quantifying massage data to deliver customized treatments based on user needs.

This technology not only reduces the labor cost of hiring massage therapists but also lowers the physical workload for practitioners, said Planning Director Hu Xin. According to the company, it has partnered with universities in Hong Kong and Macao on R&D and is aiming to use Hong Kong as a gateway to expand into Southeast Asia and other overseas markets.

Startup SOTA Robotics showcased an embodied intelligence robot capable of performing orchestral music, based on audience reactions. The company envisions applications such as elderly companionship, and intends to expand its products into elder care facilities and schools in Hong Kong, said Wang Shixiong, co-founder and chief technology officer.

Wang said the company received financial support from the Hong Kong government during its early stages and plans to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in robotic music performance to achieve deeper development in this field.

Contact the writers at irisli@chinadailyhk.com