X-Imaging

X-Imaging has established itself as a prominent player in China’s laboratory automation sector, developing AI-powered robotic systems that transform how scientific experiments are conducted across life sciences, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic testing industries. The company operates from its headquarters in Shanghai’s Zizhu Science Park, with an additional brand “Yimiji Science” in Suzhou.

Company Overview

Founded by Dr. Liu Jiapeng, who holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and brings over 15 years of industry experience from companies including Omron and Saint-Gobain, X-Imaging positions itself as a pioneer in translating the concept of “robot scientists” into commercial products. The company has assembled a multidisciplinary team combining application scientists, AI experts, automation specialists, and engineering professionals.

X-Imaging has earned recognition as a National High-Tech Enterprise, a Specialized and Sophisticated “Little Giant” Enterprise, and holds membership in the China Bio-Resource and Bio-Facility Alliance. The company has built a customer base of over 400 clients across multiple industries, including strategic partnerships with Insilico Medicine, one of the leading AI drug discovery companies, and Shimadzu Corporation.

Core Products

Helen X Series (智灵者)

The Helen X series represents X-Imaging’s flagship laboratory collaborative robot line, designed specifically for laboratory environments. The product range spans from fixed five-axis robots to mobile seven-axis AGV robots, addressing the unique challenges of laboratory spaces including limited room, complex operations, and flexible collaboration requirements. These robots cover applications across chemistry, analysis, testing, and biological research laboratories.

Robot Scientist System (智道者)

The Robot Scientist system integrates multiple laboratory instruments to enable automated sample loading and high-throughput experimentation. Powered by AI visual recognition capabilities, the system can identify bacterial colony morphologies and positions for microorganisms such as streptomyces and E. coli, enabling fully automated workflows including petri dish transfer, lid opening, colony picking, spreading, and liquid handling.

iMagicOS Platform

X-Imaging’s proprietary cloud-based laboratory operating system serves as the intelligent control hub for laboratory automation. The platform interfaces with nearly 100 mainstream domestic and international laboratory devices, offering data visualization, workflow management, and LIMS integration capabilities.

Technology & Innovation

X-Imaging has developed four core technology platforms that underpin its product offerings: the iMageOS intelligent operating system platform, the robotic automation technology platform, the AI big data intelligence platform, and the application technology service platform. These platforms work together to deliver end-to-end laboratory automation solutions ranging from reagent and consumables management to intelligent laboratory system design.

The company’s technology approach emphasizes modular standardization, having analyzed over 400 customer implementations to extract and standardize basic operation modules. This library covers more than 100 mainstream devices and over 90% of common operational steps, enabling rapid customization and scaling of automation solutions.

Market Presence

X-Imaging serves customers across life sciences, pharmaceutical development, clinical diagnostics, and analytical testing industries. Notable deployments include collaboration with Insilico Medicine to build one of the world’s largest precision drug development laboratories. The company has established itself as a designated automation partner for Shimadzu’s EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) systems in China.

The company’s solutions have been deployed in various settings including the Shanghai Songjiang District CDC for fully automated nucleic acid testing workflows during the pandemic response, demonstrating the technology’s reliability in high-stakes applications.

Key Milestones

• 2019: Launched intelligent EDX heavy metal testing system; became Shimadzu’s exclusive EDX automation partner in China
• 2021: Established strategic partnership with Insilico Medicine
• 2022: Completed Series A funding of approximately ¥100 million led by ByteDance, with participation from Legend Star and 01 Capital
• 2023: Completed Series B funding exceeding ¥100 million led by Shengshan Capital, with participation from Dongjiu Xinyi Capital, Aibo Qingshi Fund, and Wosheng Capital

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries does X-Imaging serve?

X-Imaging provides laboratory automation solutions for life sciences research, pharmaceutical development, clinical diagnostics, analytical testing, food safety testing, environmental monitoring, and consumer goods testing industries.

Is X-Imaging a medical device company?

X-Imaging primarily develops laboratory automation equipment and AI-powered robot systems for research and testing environments, rather than medical devices for direct clinical use. Their products are designed to automate and standardize laboratory workflows rather than perform diagnostic procedures.

What makes X-Imaging’s Helen X robot unique?

The Helen X series is specifically engineered for laboratory environments, featuring compact designs for limited spaces, modular tooling systems, integrated grippers, and compatibility with X-Imaging’s iMagicOS platform for direct integration with existing laboratory equipment and data management systems.