3 6 Ke·2025-07-09 11:54Core Insights - Meituan has made significant investments in the field of embodied intelligence, recently leading funding rounds for companies TARS and Starry Sky, indicating a strategic focus on hardware development alongside software [1][2][9] - The investments align with Meituan's long-term vision set by CEO Wang Xing in 2021, emphasizing the importance of robotics in the company's growth strategy [1][2] - TARS has raised a total of $242 million, while Starry Sky has secured nearly 1.5 billion yuan in funding since 2025, showcasing the growing interest and financial backing in the embodied intelligence sector [1][2] Investment Activities - Meituan led a $122 million Series A+ funding round for TARS, marking its first time as a lead investor in this company [1] - The company also participated in Starry Sky's A5 funding round, which has collectively raised over $100 million in its A4 and A5 rounds [1][2] - Meituan's investments in TARS, Starry Sky, and other robotics firms like Yushutech and Galaxy General reflect a concentrated effort to capitalize on the potential of embodied intelligence [1][2][9] Company Background and Team - TARS was founded by a team with significant experience from Huawei, including its CTO Chen Yilun, who previously led the development of Huawei's autonomous driving systems [5][6] - The core team of TARS has been assembled, and the company is actively recruiting top global talent to enhance its competitive edge [7] - Starry Sky has developed several standard platform products and aims to provide a comprehensive infrastructure for embodied intelligence development [8] Broader Strategy and Ecosystem - Meituan has invested in over 30 robotics and related companies across various sectors, including delivery, service, cleaning, and healthcare, indicating a robust strategy to build a comprehensive robotics ecosystem [9][10] - The company has established a robotics research institute to focus on key technologies in drones, autonomous driving, and embodied intelligence, collaborating with over 20 global universities [12] - Meituan's strategic partnerships, such as with Galaxy General for humanoid robot solutions, further illustrate its commitment to advancing robotics in practical applications [10][12] Future Directions - The focus on high-risk tasks for robots, as highlighted by Meituan's research institute, suggests a targeted approach to commercializing robotics technology in challenging environments [14] - The ongoing development of AI models and collaboration with research institutions positions Meituan to leverage cutting-edge technology in its robotics initiatives [12][14]