cobots

The Chinese collaborative robot manufacturer reaches a significant milestone by debuting on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with ambitious international expansion plans between 2025 and 2029.
Hong Kong, January 16, 2025. Dobot, the leading manufacturer of collaborative robots or “cobots” in China, has just reached an important milestone in its history by raising $681 million ($87.6 million in its initial public offering – IPO) in its debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This event not only marks a significant advance for the company but also positions Dobot as the first Chinese cobot manufacturer to achieve a successful debut in the international stock market.
Dobot’s stock closed its first day on the market with a slight increase of 0.7%, trading at 18.94 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 2.40 US dollars), giving the company a market capitalization of 167 billion dollars. Although the gain seems modest, it represents an important step for a company known for its constant investment in innovation and global expansion.
A Growing Giant in Collaborative Robotics
Founded in 2015 and based in Shenzhen, Dobot has established itself as the second-largest global company in collaborative robots, with a market share of 13%. The company specializes in four and six-axis robots, as well as composite models, which are used in sectors as varied as education, light industry, retail, healthcare, and chemistry.
With an ambitious vision, Dobot has seen a notable increase in its international presence. According to data from the research firm China Insights Consultancy, more than 59% of its revenue comes from markets outside China, standing out in regions such as Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific. This international growth has been a key driver in its revenue, which in 2023 amounted to 287 million yuan ($39.3 million), an increase from 241 million yuan in 2022.
Despite Losses, the Future is Promising
Although the company has recorded losses in recent years due to its high spending on research and development, as well as its expansion, Dobot maintains an optimistic long-term vision. In the first half of 2023, the company recorded a loss of 59.9 million yuan ($8.2 million), although revenue increased by 9.6% compared to the previous year. In 2023, losses nearly doubled to 103 million yuan. Nevertheless, the company expects its investments in technological innovation and international expansion to bear fruit in the near future.
The company plans to further expand its presence outside China between 2025 and 2029, establishing three new subsidiaries abroad and strengthening its marketing teams in key markets. This expansion will be essential for its goal of consolidating its leadership in the collaborative robotics sector.
Challenges on the Road and Competition
Dobot has observed how competitors have tried to go public without success due to regulatory issues. These challenges highlight the need for a solid approach to face the growing competition.
The cobot market continues to expand rapidly, driven by increasing automation in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and customer service. With its expansion plans and a strong focus on innovation, Dobot is poised to become a key player that could redefine the global industrial robotics landscape in the coming years.
The successful debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is just the beginning for Dobot, a company that is demonstrating that collaborative robotics, beyond factories, is destined to become a key tool in various sectors of the global economy. With its eyes set on the future and its international expansion strategy, Dobot is in a favorable position to continue innovating and leading in the global cobot market.
The race to dominate the collaborative robotics market has just begun, and Dobot has made its first big step.