17/10/2023 (China) - Pudu Robotics, a Chinese startup that manufactured robot waiters, embarked on its next phase of growth, fueled by global demand for labor-saving machines. In an interview at the company headquarters in Shenzhen, Felix Zhang, the founder and CEO, revealed plans to build two factories near Shanghai, set to triple Pudu's annual capacity by 2024-2025.
Since its launch in 2016, Pudu had grown to become a unicorn, generating around USD 100 million in revenue in 2022. Their clientele included Chinese hot-pot chain Haidilao, as well as Burger King and KFC in Europe.
Pudu had already delivered 3,000 robots to Japan's Skylark Holdings by the end of 2022, serving over 2,100 locations. The company's annual capacity was poised to reach approximately 150,000 units with the addition of the two new factories.
Pudu's overseas demand was booming, with customers in Japan, South Korea, the US, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. They were also planning to establish a new unit in South Korea. The company aimed to exceed 100,000 units in total deliveries and maintain its position as a leader in the global robot waiter market.
While competition in the robot industry was fierce, Pudu was confident in its growth potential, with plans to explore fundraising options for sustainable expansion, potentially including a stock market debut.