SRT

SRT (Soft Robot Technology) stands as one of only two companies globally capable of mass-producing soft robotics systems. Founded in 2016 by researchers from Beihang University and Northeastern University (USA), the company has expanded from industrial flexible grippers into medical rehabilitation, earning recognition as a National-level Specialized and Sophisticated “Little Giant” Enterprise.

Company Overview

Headquartered in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Yizhuang), SRT pioneered the commercialization of soft robotics in China. The company uses pneumatic actuation technology inspired by biological organisms like octopus, jellyfish, and pufferfish to create flexible end-effectors that can handle delicate and irregularly shaped objects.

The founding team brings deep academic credentials: CEO Gao Shaolong holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Beihang University, while Chairman Zhao Xin graduated from Beijing University of Technology and Northeastern University (USA). Their research began at Beihang’s Bionic Soft Robot Laboratory, established in 2014 as China’s first academic institution dedicated to soft robotics.

By 2022, SRT completed its joint-stock company restructuring and obtained medical device manufacturing licenses, signaling serious commitment to the healthcare vertical.

Core Products

Industrial Soft Grippers (Primary Business)

SRT’s SFG flexible grippers represent the company’s flagship product line, addressing the automation gap for irregular and fragile items that constitute approximately 96% of objects traditional rigid grippers cannot handle. Key industrial clients include Foxconn, CATL, and BYD.

Product categories span:

• i-EOAT intelligent end-effectors
• Machine vision solutions
• Smart logistics and warehousing systems
• Semiconductor automation equipment

H1000 Hand Rehabilitation Robot

The H1000 Hand Passive Finger Movement Rehabilitation Trainer marks SRT’s entry into medical devices. Launched commercially after receiving NMPA Class II medical device registration in 2021, this system targets hand dysfunction caused by stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and similar conditions.

Technical specifications include durability of 3 million cycles (upgraded from 100,000 in prototype), four size options covering 90% of the population, and combined active-passive training modes that stimulate nerves and muscles throughout the recovery cycle.

Technology & Innovation

SRT’s technological foundation rests on the intersection of materials science, robot motion control, and chemical engineering. The company has accumulated extensive experimental data through tens of thousands of material and product tests, resulting in over 200 domestic patents and 8 international patents.

Core technical capabilities include:

• Pneumatic muscle actuation systems
• Proprietary silicone-based soft materials
• Real-time sensor feedback algorithms
• Modular product architecture

The company’s rehabilitation roadmap extends beyond hand function to include planned products for laparoscopic surgical fixation devices and artificial heart applications, all leveraging the same pneumatic muscle technology platform.

Market Presence

SRT products have reached 26 countries across more than 20 industries, serving over 500 clients. The company maintains offices in Beijing, Suzhou, Zhangjiagang, and Shenzhen, with distribution partners in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Canada, Bulgaria, and Colombia.

In the rehabilitation sector, the H1000 system has been deployed in hospitals for patients recovering from neurological conditions. The company’s case was featured in the first national “China Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Industry Development Blue Book.”

Key Milestones

• 2016: Company founded in Beijing
• 2017: Secured seed and angel round funding
• 2020: Completed Series B funding (~¥100M) led by Innovation Works and Joy Capital; launched SRT Soft Armor hand rehabilitation robot
• 2021: Received NMPA Class II registration for H1000; designated National Specialized “Little Giant” Enterprise by MIIT; raised ¥60M strategic round
• 2022: Completed joint-stock restructuring; obtained medical device manufacturing license
• 2023: Closed Series C and C+ rounds totaling ¥150M; selected for humanoid robot innovation initiative
• 2024: Technical standard for flexible grippers ranked among top 10 Zhongguancun standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What products does SRT offer in the medical field?

SRT currently offers the H1000 Hand Passive Finger Movement Rehabilitation Trainer, an NMPA Class II registered device for hand dysfunction rehabilitation. The company plans to expand into laparoscopic surgical fixation and artificial heart applications using its core pneumatic muscle technology.

Is SRT publicly traded?

No, SRT remains privately held. The company completed joint-stock restructuring in September 2022 and has raised approximately ¥200 million across multiple funding rounds, but has not yet pursued an IPO.

What makes SRT’s soft robotics technology unique?

SRT is one of only two companies globally capable of mass-producing soft robotics. Their pneumatic actuation technology mimics biological organisms, enabling gentle handling of fragile and irregularly shaped objects that rigid grippers cannot manage—addressing roughly 96% of industrial automation gaps.