RoboStore, a leading distributor of humanoid robots and quadruped robots from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics, is pivoting its business model to focus on domestic manufacturing. This change comes as the US government intensifies its restrictions on foreign-made robots, prompting RoboStore to establish a manufacturing facility on Long Island, New York.
Previously, RoboStore had become the primary North American distributor for Unitree’s affordable humanoid robots, which have been utilized by prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT, as well as tech giants like Amazon and Nvidia. According to Teddy Haggerty, founder and CEO of RoboStore, the company has sold over 1,500 robots, serving over 150 universities and notable clients like Cisco and OpenAI.
New Manufacturing Facility
On August 10, RoboStore announced plans to open a 66,000-square-foot manufacturing facility by the first fiscal quarter of 2027. This facility will be overseen by a newly formed entity called Robo Inc., which will handle the production of commercial robots and systems integration.
Haggerty noted that the decision to pivot towards manufacturing was influenced by insights gained from customer interactions, which highlighted the need for industry-specific robots rather than general-purpose humanoid models. He emphasized that specialized robotic solutions, such as those offered by companies like Standard Bots and Universal Robots, are often better suited for specific business applications.
Legislative Context
The shift in RoboStore’s strategy is also a response to legislative actions aimed at restricting foreign robot imports. The American Security Robotics Act and the GUARD Act have been introduced in Congress, and in July, the US Federal Communications Commission banned the importation of new foreign-made robots, citing national security concerns related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
As a result, RoboStore has ceased its distribution operations but continues to support existing customers with parts, repairs, and upgrades for their current robot models.
Future Developments
Under the Robo Inc. brand, the company is currently developing various robotic products, including a humanoid torso mounted on a wheeled chassis for healthcare applications, equipped with sensors for monitoring vital signs. Other projects include a quadruped robot designed for security and a humanoid platform aimed at educational institutions.
Robo Inc. is also preparing for its first significant funding round after operating as a bootstrapped business. Haggerty reported strong interest from potential investors, which could facilitate the company’s transition to a manufacturing-focused operation.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
