(Yicai) April 3 -- Ubtech Robotics, the world’s first humanoid robot maker to go public, has launched a global search for a new chief scientist with a focus on androids and embodied intelligence, and is offering them an annual salary of between CNY15 million and CNY124 million (USD2.2 million and USD18 million).

The chief scientist will set Ubtech’s technology roadmap for humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence, the Shenzhen-based company announced yesterday. They will lead research in key areas, including vision-language-action models, robotics foundation models, and the development of manipulation and dexterity capabilities.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for taking cutting-edge embodied AI from the laboratory into the real world, accelerating the large-scale deployment of humanoid robots such as in intelligent manufacturing, commercial services, and home companionship.

The compensation package includes cash, benefits, and equity, Shanghai Securities News reported, citing Liu Ming, Ubtech’s vice president of human resources. Liu added that the company has no restrictions on candidates’ gender, nationality, or current location.

Competition for AI talent has become the “main battlefield” in China’s spring hiring season. The number of AI-related roles has soared by about 12 times year on year, making up 26 percent of total job postings, versus just 2.3 percent a year ago, according to a survey by workplace platform Maimai. Employers are offering average monthly salaries of up to CNY60,738 (USD8,827).

Ubtech is also hiring for dozens of other key roles, including reinforcement learning algorithm engineers, senior hardware engineers, EtherCAT master system developers, mechanical engineers, and rust engineers.

Ubtech sold 1,079 embodied artificial intelligence robots taller than 160 centimeters last year, generating CNY820.6 million (USD119.2 million) in revenue, or 41 percent of its total income, according to the firm’s annual report released on March 31. This compares with just CNY35.6 million (USD5.2 million), or less than 3 percent of revenue, in 2024.

Revenue from Ubtech's other robot segments, including education, logistics, and industry-specific customized products, dropped 17 percent to CNY628.7 million. Meanwhile, income from other smart hardware devices, such as robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and robot vacuums, rose 6 percent to CNY499.2 million.

Total revenue jumped 53 percent to CNY2 billion (USD290.5 million) in the 12 months ended Dec. 31, while Ubtech's net loss narrowed 32 percent to CNY789.8 million, the company said. The gross profit margin rose to 38 percent from 29 percent.

Ubtech’s shares [HKG: 9880] closed 2.1 percent higher at HKD102.10 (USD13.03) apiece in Hong Kong today. The stock remains down from a year-to-date peak of HKD156.40 on Feb. 20.

Editor: Martin Kadiev