Deep Robotics struggles to find algorithm talent for humanoid robot plans

Deep Robotics, a Hangzhou-based robotics startup, is struggling with a severe talent shortage that’s hampering its efforts to commercialize its humanoid robots and industrial automation technology. The company’s chief technology officer Li Chao highlighted the urgent need for algorithm specialists to fine-tune their robotic systems, reflecting broader talent acquisition challenges facing China’s rapidly expanding robotics sector.

What you should know: Deep Robotics is part of an influential group of Chinese tech startups known as the “Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou,” which includes AI developer DeepSeek and brain-machine interface innovator BrainCo.
• The company was founded in 2017 by CEO Zhu Qiuguo, who was an associate professor at Zhejiang University at the time.
• Deep Robotics has already launched the DR02 industrial-grade robot, designed to operate reliably under all weather conditions.

The talent crunch: Algorithm expertise represents the most critical staffing gap for the robotics company as it seeks to scale its operations.
• CTO Li Chao, who is also a co-founder, emphasized that highly skilled professionals are essential for taking the business forward and improving robot performance for industrial clients.
• The company specifically needs talent to help fine-tune its humanoid robots to better serve commercial applications.

What they’re saying: Li Chao outlined the company’s strategic focus during his appearance at the Bund Summit Financial Forum in Shanghai.
• “Robots are [penetrating] every manufacturing sector,” Li said. “As a company, we must seize the opportunity to make our products not only usable but also reliable in some industrial scenarios.”

Why this matters: Deep Robotics’ talent challenges illuminate the competitive dynamics in China’s robotics ecosystem, where companies are racing to develop commercial applications while competing for the same pool of specialized engineers and algorithm developers.