Tuya Smart, a global AI cloud platform provider, has announced a strategic investment in Robopoet as part of the latter's RMB 100 million pre-A financing round. This move, supported by existing investors like Sequoia China and GSR Ventures, underscores Tuya's commitment to accelerating the commercialization of physical AI. The investment aims to bridge the gap between AI development and widespread consumer adoption.
A Strategic Partnership for AI Hardware Growth
The investment builds upon a partnership established in 2025, when Tuya provided the AI cloud platform for Robopoet's debut product, Fuzozo. This AI emotional companion has since achieved significant market traction, with domestic sales nearing 300,000 units by June 2026. The collaboration has been instrumental in transforming the innovative concept into a commercial success.
Alex Yang, Co-founder and COO of Tuya Smart, noted that 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the mass commercialization of AI hardware. The investment is part of a broader vision to position AI hardware as the essential link between advanced technology and everyday consumers. Tuya aims to drive the convergence of AI and the physical world through its expansive AI+IoT ecosystem.
Validating the AI Toy Market
The effectiveness of Tuya's empowerment model was recently demonstrated during China's 618 Shopping Festival, a major online sales event. Robopoet's Fuzozo sold 40,000 units, securing the top position in Tmall's AI toy category. Other Tuya-supported products, including Walulu and AOOMII, also posted strong sales, showcasing broad market validation.
These diverse products share a common foundation of support from Tuya, which aids in both product innovation and market expansion. The Tuya AI Development Platform enables partners to rapidly move from concept to mass production. This success confirms the maturity and replicability of the company's AI hardware empowerment model.
Full-Stack AI Capabilities Driving Innovation
Tuya's strategy is powered by a comprehensive suite of full-stack AI tools designed to simplify development for hardware innovators. This toolkit includes proprietary technologies such as the Personal Voice Activity Detection model, Physical AI Foundation V2.8, and the OmniMem V2.0 long-term memory system. These resources significantly lower the barriers to entry for creating sophisticated AI products.
Beyond technological support, Tuya provides crucial market access for its partners, helping brands like Fuzozo expand globally. The company leverages its localized operational resources and established channel access to facilitate international growth. This comprehensive support system is vital for scaling AI hardware innovations on a global stage.
Tuya Smart's investment in Robopoet is a clear indicator of its strategic focus on the burgeoning physical AI market. By combining financial backing with its robust AI platform and global ecosystem, the company is fostering a new growth model for hardware innovation. This approach empowers developers and accelerates the integration of intelligent AI companions into daily life worldwide.