Several intelligent service robots developed by Keenon Robotics are displayed. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) signed a project agreement with Keenon Robotics Co – a domestic service robot unicorn involved in food delivery – on Aug 3. The company agreed to build its domestic R&D center and Central China clearing center in the valley.

Founded in 2010, Keenon Robotics is headquartered in Shanghai, ranking first and enjoying the highest growth rate in terms of market share in intelligent unmanned delivery services and solutions. It has made deals with 65 percent of renowned domestic catering brands, and its businesses include cafés, libraries and airports in Japan, Singapore and South Korea. In 2021, the company finished D-round financing.

Keenon Robotics will conduct product research in new application scenarios, including cleaning robots and automated guided robots. According to Li Tong, founder of the company, their core research team all graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and moving into OVC was a strategic decision by the company. He said that they will continue to expand investment in Wuhan after the research center project is launched.

Zhang Yongqiang, director of the valley's administrative committee, highlighted Keenon Robotics's innovative capabilities and high growth potential. He promised to prioritize the project with more effective government services to help the company thrive in OVC.