In the summer of 2025, Kong Tao, who previously served as the head of ByteDance's robotics team, took on a new role at Xiaomi. He joined as the leader of the robotics base model team and also heads the newly formed Embodied Intelligence and Applications Department. In this capacity, he oversees a diverse range of business directions within the field of embodied AI, a move that has garnered high praise from his superiors.
Kong Tao was known for his hands-on approach. He once engaged in one-on-one conversations with employees to gain a deep understanding of the team's dynamics and current situation. The base model team under his leadership enjoys independent office space, reflecting Xiaomi's commitment to fostering innovation and focus. Additionally, Xiaomi's Robotics Business Division maintains a strict confidentiality policy to safeguard its cutting-edge work.
Currently, Xiaomi's Robotics Business Division boasts a team of approximately 200 employees. Earlier in the year, these team members underwent a period of 'internship' at Xiaomi's automotive factory. Their efforts paid off, as they achieved an impressive 98% operational success rate in July. With this remarkable achievement, they have now officially become a permanent and integral part of the Xiaomi team.
