1.Zhiyuan Robotics Open-Source Simulation Benchmark Tool: Genie Sim Benchmark
Zhiyuan Robotics has released Genie Sim Benchmark, the open-source evaluation version of its simulation platform Genie Sim. It provides embodied AI models with precise performance testing via a high-fidelity 3D asset library (covering five major scenarios, from homes to factories) and a standardized evaluation framework. With simulation accuracy errors below 5%, it supports user-defined metrics and publishes over ten challenging task codebases. By reproducing real-world dynamics at a 1:1 scale, algorithm iteration efficiency is boosted by 5× and testing costs drop by 95%. The code is available on GitHub and Hugging Face, and is supported by the AgiBot World ecosystem for end-to-end development.
Technical Note:
Asset Library Construction: Combines manual modeling with generative AI to create 500+ high-fidelity, interactive objects compatible with major simulators, greatly lowering modeling barriers for developers.
Industry Impact: Regarded as the first open-source benchmark in embodied intelligence, it may drive global AI labs toward unified testing standards and accelerate commercialization.
2.Geely Consolidates Battery Business into "JiYao Pass"
Geely has reorganized its battery operations under the new brand JiYao Pass, with a registered capital of ¥1 billion. The former JinBrick battery (with LFP short-blade technology) and Shendun short-blade battery are now unified as Shendun JinBrick Battery, deployed in high-end models such as Zeekr and Lynk & Co. It also unveiled the "Galaxy Battleship" SUV prototype equipped with this battery. The Quzhou factory's annual capacity reaches 24 GWh, targeting over ¥100 billion in revenue.
Strategic Extensions:
Technology Roadmap: LFP short-blade tech balances safety and fast-charging; a high-energy-density (>180 Wh/kg) variant may launch to compete with CATL's Qilin battery.
Market Deployment: Post-integration, it serves Geely Galaxy, Zeekr, and other brands, strengthening vertical integration in the NEV market.
3.Tesla "Optimus" Robot Faces Delay Due to China's Rare-Earth Export Controls
Rare-earth magnets are core to robotic joint drives, and China processes 90% of global rare earths. Tesla is negotiating export licenses with Chinese authorities to ensure the materials aren't diverted for military use. This may postpone the mass production of Optimus, highlighting how geopolitics impacts cutting-edge tech supply chains.
Supply-Chain Risks:
Alternatives: Tesla may accelerate R&D on rare-earth-free motor tech (e.g., induction motors), though short-term performance could suffer.
Industry Ripple Effects: Suppliers like Nidec and Bosch might adjust their own rare-earth sourcing strategies.
4.Hugging Face Releases Open-Source Humanoid Robot Reachy 2
Developed by France's Pollen Robotics and priced at $70 000, Reachy 2 features stereo vision, LiDAR, and supports VR remote control. Its open-source nature lets developers test algorithms at low cost; it's already used at Cornell University for embodied intelligence research. This marks a significant move by an AI heavyweight into hardware, standardizing robots for education.
Use Cases:
Research Value: Supports ROS2 and Python APIs for rapid deployment of RL and multimodal perception experiments.
Commercial Potential: Modular design could extend into industrial inspection and medical assistance.
5.Hesai Technology Unveils Next-Gen LiDAR Suite "QianLi Eye"
Hesai introduced the ETX ultra-long-range LiDAR (500 m detection), AT1440 (1 440-line ultra-high-resolution), and FTX solid-state blind-spot LiDAR. AT1440 pulses over 34 million points/sec and is slated for mass production in H2 2025, targeting the high-end AD market. This could redefine L4 autonomous-driving sensors and challenge Velodyne and Luminar.
Competitive Analysis:
Technical Barrier: 1 440 lines far exceed the industry norm (128–300), potentially driving reliance on high-density point clouds.
Cost Challenge: Solid-state LiDAR must fall below $500/unit to compete with camera-based systems.
6.Huasheng Riley Secures ¥100 Million Series A to Advance Electromechanical Braking
Huasheng Riley specializes in dry electromechanical brakes (EMB), replacing hydraulics with electrical signals to achieve sub-100 ms response and 30% energy savings. The funds will build an EMB production line aiming to equip 500 000 NEVs by 2026.
Tech Comparison:
Versus Traditional EHB: EMB has no brake fluid, is greener, and lower-maintenance, but redundant designs are complex and require ASIL-D certification.
Market Outlook: The global EMB market could reach ¥12 billion by 2025, with Bosch, Continental, and others ramping up.
7.JCET Reports ¥35.9 Billion 2024 Revenue, Retains Top-3 Global Packaging & Testing Spot
JCET's revenue grew 21% YoY to ¥35.9 billion, with ¥1.6 billion net profit; computing and automotive segments grew over 30%. Its advanced packaging (e.g., chiplets) is now in AMD and NVIDIA supply chains, and its automotive-grade test market share exceeds 18%.
Industry Context:
Geopolitical Dividend: US sanctions on SMIC have diverted Huawei and Horizon Robotics orders to JCET, boosting market share.
Tech Breakthroughs: 2.5D/3D packaging yields over 98% success, narrowing gaps with ASE and Amkor.
8.Energy-Storage Battery "Rush to Stock" to Peak by Mid-Year, Shift Toward Tech Differentiation
The rush to install energy-storage cells is expected to peak in May–June, with strategies moving from capacity expansion to technology deepening. Some vendors launch cells with 12 000-cycle life and –30 °C performance to counter "re-involution."
Technology Paths:
Sodium Batteries: BYD and CATL accelerate sodium-ion demos, offering ~30% lower cost than lithium.
System Integration: Huawei and Sungrow introduce "PV+Storage+Charging" solutions to boost energy efficiency.
9.China's Humanoid-Robot Market Value to Exceed ¥4.5 Billion in 2025
TrendForce projects six vendors (including UBTECH and Zhiyuan) to mass-produce over 1 000 units each, while Tesla aims for thousands of Optimus units in 2025. Suppliers focus on precision reducers (e.g., Green HARMONICS, Harmonic Drive) and servo motors (Inovance), with domestic content exceeding 60%.
Bottlenecks & Breakthroughs:
Cost Control: UBTECH's Walker X aims for sub–¥500 000 unit cost, with further scale-driven reductions.
Application Distribution: Warehouse logistics (sorting, handling) >40%, with service robots (education, care) growing fastest.
10.Japan–US Collaboration Develops World's First Olfactory Robot
Japan's ugo and US firm Ainos jointly launched a humanoid with an AI Nose system: a 32-channel gas-sensor array plus deep-learning algorithm that identifies over 1 000 odor molecules at ppb-level precision. Applications include hospital infection monitoring (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 VOC detection) and chemical-plant leak warnings.
Challenges & Commercial Path:
Environmental Interference: Humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect stability, requiring dynamic calibration.
Business Model: At over $100 000/unit, it will initially target B-to-B rental markets.
11.Samsung's Taylor, TX, Fab 99.6% Complete; Production Outlook Under Pressure
Samsung's $17 billion Taylor fab faces high US operating costs and delays in equipment installation after its Korea contract fabs underperformed. Initial 2024 production plans have shifted to 2026, with a possible upgrade to 2 nm nodes to catch up with TSMC. Meanwhile, its HBM3E chips failed NVIDIA certification, lagging behind SK Hynix, which may impact high-end orders.
Underlying Tensions:
Geopolitical Risks: Delays in the US CHIPS Act subsidies, coupled with the 2026 US election cycle, heighten policy uncertainty.
Tech Competition: TSMC's earlier 2 nm volume ramp-about six months ahead-could further squeeze Samsung's market share.
