Standing 80 cm tall, Q1 is designed as a portable platform for embodied AI research. (Image: YouTube)
China is racing ahead in robotics, a trend on full display at the ongoing CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where several Chinese firms are showcasing cutting-edge innovations. Agibot, a robotics startup based in Shanghai, has introduced a mini humanoid robot that can be easily packed into a backpack. Named Q1, the AI-powered robot is dubbed a mini personal companion.
Q1 is 80 cm (31 inches) tall and roughly weighs one-eighth of its human-sized peers. It comes with full-body control and crash-resistant Quasi-Direct Drive joints. According to the makers, its compact design makes experimentation easy, fast, and cost-effective. The robot essentially bridges the gap between lab prototypes and personal devices.
According to the company, the Q1 revolutionises humanoid accessibility and offers researchers and creators a capable platform that enables everyday interactions. Reportedly, Q1 has been built as an open platform with developer kits, 3D-printable shells, and zero-code motion programming. Users can customise its appearance, program movements, and explore embodied AI without having the knowledge of advanced robotics.
The mini robot is capable of voice interaction, English tutoring, indoor positioning, guided dance lessons, etc. Its Quasi-Direct Drive joints enable it to retain precise force control and dynamic response, allowing it to move intentionally. Owing to its full-body force control, developers can test algorithms physically, reducing development cycles to days.
Agibot is known for building general-purpose embodied robots and their application ecosystems by combining innovation in AI and robotics. The company was established in February 2023 with a founding team that comprises industry experts, AI scientists, and global technology leaders. The company aims to create unlimited productivity through intelligent machines. Its vision is to become a global leader in intelligent robots and create a general-purpose robot ecosystem.
Last month, the company announced that it had created its 5,000th robot, making it one of China’s fastest-growing humanoid robotics startups.
Curated by Shiv Shakti Mishra
