The $6 Billion Chinese Startup Trying to Build Hands for Every Robot

LinkerBot, a Chinese robotics startup founded in 2023, has become a leader in manufacturing dexterous humanoid hands, shipping 10,000 units last year—80% of global demand. The company’s hands, priced between $600 and $15,000 depending on complexity, can perform tasks like playing piano, threading needles, and assembling electronics. Founder and CTO Zhou Yong predicts prices will drop to $200 within five years, enabling widespread adoption, with an eventual goal of "everyone owning ten robots on average." The startup has raised significant funding, including six rounds in 13 months from investors like the Chinese government, Alibaba’s Ant Group, and Sequoia Capital’s HongShan Capital, pushing its valuation to $6 billion. Reports suggest LinkerBot is considering an initial public offering in Hong Kong, though Zhou declined to comment on the plans. Its rapid growth reflects a shift in the robotics industry, where Chinese companies have overtaken U.S. firms like OpenAI, which previously led in robotic hand development. Zhou, who previously sold a self-driving startup, initially focused on robotics after predicting industry growth around 2025. He emphasizes specialization, comparing LinkerBot’s niche to selling essential tools during a gold rush. The company avoids competing with full-body humanoid makers like Unitree or Tesla by concentrating on hands, which Zhou calls the "majority of the engineering difficulty" of humanoid robots. Elon Musk has similarly highlighted the challenge, noting the complexity of robotic hands. LinkerBot’s hands feature five fingers and at least 11 joints, enabling precise movements. The company’s marketing, including a humanoid robot marathon in Beijing, has drawn attention to robotics advancements. Zhou’s long-term vision is inspired by Doraemon, a Japanese anime character with magical gadgets, aiming to create practical, affordable robotic solutions for everyday tasks. His WeChat avatar is a picture of Doraemon, symbolizing this goal. The startup’s success underscores China’s rising dominance in robotics hardware, narrowing the valuation gap with U.S. markets. Zhou attributes this to Chinese firms’ focus on tangible products, while many American counterparts prioritize AI software like large language models. LinkerBot’s strategy of mastering a single component—robotic hands—positions it as a key supplier for manufacturers and research labs globally.