Hebin Robots

Hefei Hebin Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. (Hebin Robots) specializes in intelligent ultrasound robotic systems that combine AI technology, aerospace-grade teleoperation capabilities, and 5G communication to deliver remote diagnostic solutions. The company has secured NMPA Class III medical device certification for its flagship remote ultrasound diagnostic system.

Company Overview

Founded in August 2020, Hebin Robots emerged from a collaboration of four engineering professionals with backgrounds from Harbin Institute of Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, and National University of Singapore. CEO Liu Zhen leads the company alongside co-founders Cheng Dongliang, Xia Jing, and Huang Qi.

The company positions itself at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and medical imaging, developing what it describes as a “scan-diagnose-treat” full-chain intelligent ultrasound service platform. This approach addresses China’s significant ultrasound resource gap, where approximately 2 billion ultrasound examinations are performed annually but qualified sonographers remain scarce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Hebin Robots holds National High-Tech Enterprise status and has accumulated over 80 intellectual property filings, including two core invention patents that received United States PCT authorization.

Core Products

HEBIN-RUS-T7 Remote Ultrasound Diagnostic System

The company’s primary product is a 7-degree-of-freedom force-controlled intelligent remote ultrasound robot system. Unlike the more common 6-DOF configurations in the market, the additional degree of freedom mimics human arm biomechanics, enabling multiple arm configurations to reach scanning points and reducing limitations from joint constraints or obstacles.

The system comprises an “expert terminal” and a “patient terminal.” Physicians control the patient-side robot through a haptic feedback operation platform with an ultrasound probe-shaped controller, achieving 1:1 replication of expert scanning techniques over 5G networks.

Technology & Innovation

Hebin Robots has developed several proprietary technologies:

Force-Controlled Teleoperation: High-precision, low-latency robotic teleoperation technology enables real-time synchronization between expert hand movements and robot execution, with haptic feedback providing tactile sensation to remote operators.

Universal Probe Interface: A quick-change probe clamping solution resolves compatibility challenges across different ultrasound equipment manufacturers. The system connects with mainstream ultrasound devices without requiring hospitals to purchase new equipment.

AI-Ready Architecture: The robot platform incorporates dedicated AI hardware and software interfaces, allowing continuous upgrades to assisted scanning and diagnostic capabilities. This design philosophy parallels autonomous vehicle software iteration, enabling progressive enhancement of intelligent features.

Layered Safety Control: The system implements multi-tier safety strategies across environmental perception, impedance control, and human-machine interaction layers, combining active and passive safety measures to ensure scanning safety.

Market Presence

The remote ultrasound diagnostic system targets multiple clinical scenarios:

• 5G emergency vehicles for immediate medical support during patient transport
• ICU and isolation wards where contact reduction protects healthcare workers
• Telemedicine consultations connecting remote specialists with local patients
• Basic health screening in underserved communities

The company received recognition at the Third “Guanghua Cup” Gigabit Optical Network Application Innovation Competition, winning second prize in the Medical Health category. In April 2023, the intelligent remote ultrasound robot solution was selected for Hefei’s first batch of city-level innovation scenarios, supporting commercialization efforts.

Research & Development

The R&D team constitutes over 80% of the company’s workforce, including 6 doctoral degree holders and more than 30 master’s degree holders. The team also includes 6 professional ultrasound physicians and a 4-person medical device registration team.

Hebin Robots maintains collaborations with multiple domestic universities for fundamental research and has established an international scientific advisory board comprising computer vision researchers, robotics scientists, frontline ultrasound department directors, and industry advisors.

Key Milestones

• 2020: Company founded in Hefei
• 2021: Completed angel round funding from Linear Capital and Tinavi
• 2022: Completed Pre-A round led by Sequoia China Seed Fund
• 2023: Obtained NMPA Class III medical device certification
• 2024: Received US PCT patent authorization for two core inventions

Frequently Asked Questions

What regulatory approvals does Hebin Robots hold?

The company’s remote ultrasound diagnostic system has received NMPA Class III medical device certification, the highest regulatory classification in China indicating stringent safety and efficacy requirements. International certifications (CE, FDA) have not been publicly confirmed.

How does the 7-DOF design differ from standard ultrasound robots?

Most ultrasound robots use 6 degrees of freedom, limiting the arm to a single configuration when reaching each scanning point. The 7-DOF redundant design allows multiple arm configurations to reach the same point, similar to how a human arm can adjust elbow position while keeping the hand stationary. This flexibility improves workspace accessibility and reduces motion constraints.

Who are the company’s investors?

Hebin Robots has secured funding from Sequoia China Seed Fund, Linear Capital, and Tinavi (China’s first publicly listed orthopedic surgical robot company, stock code 688277.SH). Total funding is reported in the tens of millions of RMB range.