Core Viewpoint - To become a luxury car brand, one must have the courage to offend mediocrity [14] Group 1: Company Overview - Zeekr showcased its full-size SUV Zeekr 9X and pure electric MPV Zeekr 009 at CES, attracting attention with their design and features [3][4] - The brand is backed by Geely and Volvo's technological foundation, emphasizing a global approach from its inception [5] - Zeekr has invested over 20 billion yuan in the SEA architecture, which supports multiple brands and enhances product iteration and scalability [5] Group 2: Technological Advancements - Zeekr has developed its own "Golden Brick Battery" and high-performance SiC four-motor drive system, indicating strong capabilities in core technologies [9] - The company has accumulated over 180 first technologies in the new energy sector and holds 2,528 core technology patents since its delivery began in October 2021 [10] - Significant R&D investments totaling over 22.7 billion yuan from 2021 to 2024 have positioned Zeekr to compete with leading new energy players [9] Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Zeekr 001 has sold over 300,000 units, competing with luxury brands like BMW and Audi [13] - The Zeekr 009 has established a foothold in the high-end MPV market, despite initial design controversies [14] - The brand's luxury is derived from continuous exploration and innovation, as evidenced by its recent sales performance in the large SUV market [20] Group 4: Consumer Insights and Future Outlook - Younger consumers are increasingly drawn to innovative and tech-forward products, moving away from traditional brands [21] - The automotive industry is evolving, with Chinese companies like Zeekr creating unique products that integrate global talent and technology [21] - The challenges faced by Zeekr, including market education costs and competition, have ultimately contributed to its brand identity and technological growth [18]

世界第一、高门槛、高天花板，新一代的中国硬件创业。 文 丨 贺乾明 黄俊杰 制图 丨 黄帧昕 编辑 丨 黄俊杰 一群参与打造世界第一产品的 工程师决定离职创业 ，纠结快一年，选了个最初 5 分钟被自己毙掉的冷 门项目；产品发售第三年，公司年营收已经超过 100 亿。这是 3D 打印机行业如今的第一名，拓竹的创 业故事。 "我知道戏剧性的过程可能会更有故事性，但实际上不是那么戏剧性。" 拓竹创始人、CEO 陶冶笑着 说。这可能并不是谦虚。 拓竹是一群工程师精确计算、精确执行的结果。 "发展完全按照他们的规划，甚至产品发售头两年的收入和市场占有率误差非常小。"IDG 资本合伙人邵 辉回看拓竹创业初的投资文件后对我们说。IDG 是唯一投资拓竹三轮的机构，唯一的遗憾是公司盈利太 快，第二轮以后就不需要融资了。 在拓竹出现之前很多年，消费级 3D 打印机已经不再是个性感的东西，全球市场总规模不过五六十亿 元。主要因为难用——用户花在调试机器上的时间超过了打印本身，还经常失败。 拓竹第一个把 3D 打印机变成了有基础 AI 能力的小机器人，加装了摄像头、激光雷达、重力感应等传 感器，把原本需要人工干预的诸多环节完全自动化 ...

Core Viewpoint - The founder of UBTECH, Zhou Jian, emphasizes the importance of genuine technological advancement in humanoid robotics, warning against superficial trends and the potential pitfalls of the industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - UBTECH, founded by Zhou Jian, is one of the longest-standing companies in the humanoid robotics sector, having been established for 14 years [2]. - The company has never turned a profit but has invested heavily in R&D, with over one-third of its revenue allocated to this area [2][4]. - UBTECH went public in December 2023, becoming the first publicly listed humanoid robotics company, with a market valuation of HKD 38 billion at listing [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Insights - Zhou Jian criticizes the current state of the humanoid robotics industry, noting that many companies are not genuinely innovating but rather creating "humanoid machines" that lack true intelligence [6][10]. - He believes that the industry is experiencing a bubble, with many companies emerging without a solid understanding of the technology [6][8]. - The focus on superficial capabilities, such as dancing and performing tricks, detracts from the development of true embodied intelligence, which is essential for practical applications [10][12]. Group 3: Technological Development - UBTECH has been developing its large humanoid robot, Walker, for nearly a decade, focusing on a full-stack technology approach [4][13]. - The company has invested billions in developing the "brain" of its robots, which includes advanced perception and decision-making capabilities [13][39]. - Zhou Jian asserts that true humanoid robots must possess the ability to autonomously perceive, decide, and execute tasks in real-world environments, rather than relying on remote control or pre-programmed actions [10][12]. Group 4: Market Position and Future Outlook - As of early 2024, UBTECH's market capitalization fluctuated significantly, reaching a peak of HKD 130 billion before settling around HKD 72.5 billion [3]. - The company aims to address the labor shortage in manufacturing, with humanoid robots expected to play a crucial role in alleviating workforce challenges in the coming years [22][28]. - Zhou Jian predicts that 2026 will mark a turning point for the humanoid robotics industry, with a clearer understanding of viable market directions [8][29]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Zhou Jian respects all efforts in the humanoid robotics sector but believes UBTECH stands out due to its comprehensive technology and deep understanding of the industry [16]. - The company has secured significant orders, with a total order value exceeding RMB 1.4 billion by 2025, positioning it as a leader in the global market [31][32]. - Zhou Jian expresses confidence in UBTECH's ability to compete effectively, citing its unique technological capabilities and production capacity [16][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the journey of Miwei, a content company founded by Ma Dong, emphasizing the importance of humor and collective creativity in the entertainment industry, particularly in comedy, which is often seen as a challenging genre to scale and standardize [3][4][5]. Group 1: Company Development - Miwei was established in 2015 with the goal of becoming a significant content company, focusing on comedy as a long-term and sustainable path for growth [3][4]. - Over five years, Miwei produced four comedy shows and discovered over 140 comedians, transforming the landscape of comedy in China [3][4]. - The company aims to create content that brings joy and emotional value, with a mission to make the world a happier place [5][6]. Group 2: Creative Philosophy - Ma Dong believes that humor is a natural gift and that the ability to make others laugh is a significant skill and value [5][6]. - The company has shifted its focus from merely producing shows to deeply engaging in the comedy genre, recognizing it as a viable and extensive path for content creation [7][8]. - The "Yes, and" improvisational technique is highlighted as a foundational creative method, allowing for collective creativity and the emergence of new ideas [19][22]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The content business is acknowledged as a difficult industry, with many companies struggling to survive, while Miwei has managed to thrive by focusing on quality and emotional resonance [29][41]. - The article reflects on the changing societal emotions and challenges faced by younger generations, indicating that comedy remains relevant as it addresses universal human dilemmas [45][46]. - Ma Dong emphasizes the importance of understanding audience feedback and adapting content accordingly, which is crucial for maintaining relevance in a competitive market [23][30]. Group 4: Company Culture and Management - Miwei fosters a unique company culture that encourages open communication and collaboration, avoiding hierarchical barriers [35][36]. - The company maintains a manageable size of around 130 employees to ensure effective communication and creativity [37][38]. - Ma Dong's management style focuses on service and exceeding client expectations, which has been integral to the company's success in securing partnerships and sponsorships [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - Li Auto is restarting its humanoid robot development project, indicating a strategic shift towards integrating robotics into its automotive offerings, aiming to redefine vehicles as "embodied intelligent" products rather than mere transportation tools [5][8]. Group 1: Humanoid Robot Development - Li Auto has opened several humanoid robot R&D positions, signaling a renewed focus on developing humanoid robots for specific industrial applications within its manufacturing processes [5]. - The company previously paused its humanoid robot project due to technological limitations and an immature supply chain but is now moving forward with a comprehensive recruitment strategy covering all aspects of humanoid robot development [5][6]. - The recruitment includes roles for embedded software engineers, algorithm developers, and mechanical design engineers, indicating a robust approach to building a skilled team for this initiative [5]. Group 2: Industry Context and Competition - Li Auto's humanoid robot development aligns with trends seen in other companies like Tesla and XPeng, which are also pursuing highly anthropomorphic robots based on the assumption that robots must closely resemble humans to effectively interact with human tools and skills [7]. - The company faces significant competition in terms of talent acquisition, as other firms like Seres and Tesla have large R&D teams dedicated to humanoid robots, highlighting the need for Li Auto to build a capable team quickly to remain competitive [8]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - Li Auto's CEO, Li Xiang, has articulated a vision where vehicles are seen as robots with sensory and cognitive capabilities, suggesting that the integration of humanoid robotics could enhance the company's technological ecosystem [8]. - The decision to restart the humanoid robot project is seen as a strategic move to explore another product form of embodied intelligence, potentially allowing for technology sharing and complementary advantages between vehicles and humanoid robots [8]. Group 4: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the humanoid robot project, Li Auto's stock experienced a notable increase, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the company's strategic direction in robotics [11].

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid growth and investment potential of KuaLing AI, a video generation model under Kuaishou, which has seen significant user and revenue increases in recent months [4][11][12]. User Growth and Revenue - KuaLing AI's monthly active users (MAU) surpassed 12 million in January 2023, with a projected revenue of $140 million for 2025, significantly exceeding Kuaishou's initial target of $60 million [5][11]. - The app's paid user base grew by 350% month-over-month as of January 20, 2026, with a single-month revenue exceeding $20 million in December 2025 [11][12]. - Daily revenue in January 2026 is approximately 30% higher than the previous month [11]. Product Features and Market Position - The introduction of new features, particularly the Motion Control function, has driven user engagement and viral content creation, such as the "pet dancing" AI videos [8][10]. - KuaLing targets both professional creators and B2B clients, with nearly 70% of its revenue coming from paid subscriptions by professional users [10][12]. - The app has achieved top rankings in the iOS graphics and design category across nearly 40 countries, including Brazil and Russia [10]. Industry Outlook - KuaLing AI is positioned as a key player in the video model industry, with expectations of reaching a critical point for scalable content generation soon [11][15]. - Analysts from international investment banks have noted that the current market pricing does not fully reflect KuaLing AI's growth potential, suggesting it is undervalued [12].

Core Viewpoint - Ant Group is shifting its focus towards health technology, particularly through its AI product "Afu," aiming to lower the barriers to healthcare access and enhance user experience in the health sector [3][6][38]. Group 1: AI Strategy and Investment - Ant Group plans to invest significantly in AI applications, with a focus on health, finance, and lifestyle services, indicating a strategic pivot after a period of relative silence [3][5]. - The company has allocated several billion yuan for advertising and product development related to Afu, with expectations of continued investment in the coming years [11][34]. - The CEO emphasizes that the company is not merely betting on AI but ensuring certainty in its investments, focusing on areas where it can leverage its existing strengths [9][20]. Group 2: Health as a Strategic Focus - Health has been identified as a critical area for Ant Group's next decade, with the CEO stating that the company cannot rely solely on payment and financial services [4][8]. - The decision to prioritize health stems from a recognition of the high demand for accessible healthcare services, especially in light of China's aging population and uneven distribution of medical resources [6][7]. - Ant Group's health initiative, Afu, aims to provide a digital companion for users, enhancing their healthcare experience through personalized interactions and professional support [10][13]. Group 3: User Engagement and Market Position - The company aims to establish Afu as a trusted health companion rather than just a tool, focusing on building emotional connections with users [10][13]. - Initial user feedback has been positive, with significant increases in daily inquiries and active users, indicating a strong market demand for health-related services [14][15]. - Ant Group believes that the health sector, while traditionally seen as low-frequency, has the potential for explosive growth in user engagement due to the increasing awareness of health issues [20][21]. Group 4: Ethical Considerations and Professional Standards - Ant Group is committed to maintaining ethical standards in its AI health applications, ensuring that the AI does not replace human doctors but serves as an assistant [25][27]. - The company has established an ethics advisory committee to address potential issues in AI health applications, including user safety and data privacy [25][29]. - The focus remains on providing reliable health information while ensuring that users understand the limitations of AI in medical diagnosis [24][27].

Core Insights - The power of storytelling remains strong, as demonstrated by companies like Airbnb, Bose, and Insta360, which have shifted their marketing strategies to focus on brand storytelling rather than traditional performance marketing [3][4][5][6] Group 1: Marketing Strategy Shifts - In 2020, Airbnb cut its marketing budget significantly, particularly in search and performance advertising, yet maintained 95% of its website traffic compared to the previous year, highlighting the importance of brand awareness and word-of-mouth [3][4] - Bose's CMO announced a reevaluation of search advertising, indicating a broader trend among brands to prioritize storytelling and brand identity over direct response marketing [4] - Insta360's collaborations with influencers and unique marketing campaigns demonstrate a commitment to storytelling, even if it requires longer production times [5] Group 2: The Role of Content Platforms - Bilibili (B站) has become a key platform for brands to engage with younger audiences through storytelling, as seen with the automotive brand Lynk & Co's innovative marketing strategies [7][8] - The platform's unique ecosystem allows for the creation of engaging content that resonates with users, moving beyond traditional advertising methods [11][12] - Bilibili's focus on community-driven content and user feedback has helped brands like Insta360 and Lynk & Co build a strong presence and maintain sales growth despite market challenges [11][12] Group 3: Industrialization of Marketing - The shift towards industrializing marketing efforts is evident, with Bilibili aiming to create measurable and efficient advertising strategies that leverage community insights [13][14] - The introduction of AI and automated advertising systems is helping brands optimize their marketing spend and improve content production efficiency [16][17] - Bilibili's partnerships with e-commerce platforms aim to track user behavior post-engagement, demonstrating a commitment to proving the effectiveness of brand storytelling in driving sales [15][17]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the establishment of a new robotics company, Sharpa, by the co-founders of Hesai Technology, highlighting the significant potential and challenges in the robotics industry compared to the electric vehicle sector [4][10]. Company Overview - Sharpa was founded by Hesai's co-founders, including CTO Xiang Shaoqing and CEO Li Yifan, focusing on developing general-purpose robots and core components [4][6]. - The company operates independently from Hesai, with a team of over 100 members primarily recruited externally [4]. Market Potential - The general robotics market is estimated to have a trillion-dollar potential, with the founders aiming to create a world-class AI company [7]. - The founders believe that the AI era presents opportunities similar to those seen in the internet and new energy sectors, potentially leading to the creation of companies with valuations in the hundreds of billions [7]. Product Development - Sharpa's first product, the SharpaWave dexterous hand, is set to be mass-produced by October 2025, featuring 22 degrees of freedom and priced at several tens of thousands of dollars [8]. - The second product will be a general humanoid robot named Sharpa North, with a focus on versatility and operational capabilities [8][9]. Industry Challenges - The founders acknowledge that while the opportunity in robotics is ten times greater than in new energy vehicles, the difficulty of development is a hundred times higher [10]. - The robotics industry is still in its exploratory phase, with over 300 startups working on various applications and technologies [9]. Strategic Vision - The founders intend for the AI company to enhance Hesai's market reach and capabilities, potentially increasing its market ceiling by tenfold [8]. - They emphasize the importance of creating robots that can handle complex tasks and adapt to changing environments, bridging the gap between human capabilities and automation [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article posits that ByteDance's Zhang Yiming is likely to become the richest person in China over the next decade due to his strong motivation, learning ability, execution power, and the resources of ByteDance, which are expected to drive significant growth in various sectors, including mobile, automotive, and space computing [4][5]. Industry Insights - In the mobile internet era, there were 10 apps in China with over 500 million MAU, but in the AI era, it is anticipated that only 3-4 Super Apps will achieve this milestone [4][5]. - The DAU/MAU ratio is expected to increase, with 500 million MAU likely corresponding to approximately 350 million DAU, enhancing the value of Super Apps compared to the mobile internet era [5]. - The article emphasizes that the value of Super Apps is greater than that of leading robotics companies, as Super Apps control entry points and can generate excess commercial returns [6]. Competitive Landscape - The competition for AI Native Super Apps is intensifying, with Alibaba's Qwen and ByteDance's Doubao positioned as key players. The article highlights the strategic moves of Alibaba to prevent Meituan from launching a competing Super App [8][9]. - Other companies like Tencent, Meituan, Pinduoduo, JD, and Baidu are also seen as potential contenders in the Super App battle, while smaller players may struggle to compete [9][10]. - The article suggests that Meituan's exit from community group buying is part of a broader AI strategy to position itself for the Super App market [10][11]. Future Projections - The article predicts that the AI Native Super App market could reach a revenue potential of 1 trillion RMB, urging companies to act quickly to launch their AI applications [11]. - Huawei is positioned to dominate the automotive sector but is unlikely to enter the Super App market due to its strategic focus on other areas [12]. - Tencent is recognized for its stability and product matrix, with the potential to maintain a significant role in the AI Native Super App landscape, although ByteDance's Doubao is gaining influence among younger users [12].