Beatbot, a cutting-edge Chinese company specializing in the development of advanced robotic pool cleaners, recently closed a funding round securing approximately RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million). This funding was led by DragonBall Capital, the investment arm of Meituan, with existing supporters such as Hillhouse Capital, Shunwei Capital, Cathay Capital, Source Code Capital, Anker Innovations, Monolith, and Yunmu Capital also increasing their investments. Notably, Yunmu Capital continues to serve as the company’s long-term financial advisor.
The newly acquired funds will be directed towards research and development, product enhancement, global expansion, attracting top talent from around the world, and exploring new applications for its innovative technology. Established in July 2022, Beatbot has developed proprietary systems including high-speed brushless pumps, autonomous underwater vehicle motion control, and advanced navigation based on sonar and laser technology known as SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping). Their robotic pool cleaners are renowned for their blend of efficiency, autonomy, and user-friendly design.
CEO Wang Shengle, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in R&D and product development, previously contributed to the successful launch of robotic vacuum cleaners and window cleaning robots before establishing Beatbot. Market projections indicate significant growth in the global swimming pool industry, expected to increase from USD 8.9 billion in 2025 to USD 11.54 billion by 2030, with North America holding a significant market share due to its numerous residential pools and higher disposable incomes.
Traditional pool maintenance methods are labor-intensive and costly, prompting an increasing adoption rate of robotic pool cleaners, albeit with limited innovation. Beatbot, positioning itself as a premium provider with an average selling price exceeding USD 2,000, has made impressive advancements in the market. The company’s AquaSense and AquaSense Pro models generated considerable sales figures within six months of their launch in 2024 while commanding an 85% share of China’s online market for robotic pool cleaners priced at USD 1,400 and above.
In early 2025, Beatbot unveiled the AquaSense 2 Ultra, touted as the world’s first AI-powered pool cleaning robot with versatile five-in-one capabilities. Boasting 27 sensors, including an AI-compatible camera, infrared, ultrasound, depth, and temperature detectors, this model features a self-developed brushless motor and buoyancy control system enabling various functionalities such as wall climbing, precise waterline scrubbing, and autonomous docking.
The company’s focus on user experience is evident as feedback influenced product design enhancements like incorporating buoyancy controls and lighter builds for easier retrieval after wall climbing. A user-friendly companion app allows remote monitoring of cleaning progress. CEO Wang emphasized the importance of user insights and technological boundaries in driving their product development strategy, stressing a commitment to addressing genuine user needs through innovative solutions.
Beyond the realm of pool cleaning, Beatbot is diversifying its robotics expertise into lawn care, with plans underway for developing robotic lawn mowers leveraging their expertise in mobility, sensing technologies, and AI-driven navigation for outdoor applications. Wang shared that the company’s commitment lies in delivering differentiated innovation based on solving real user challenges rather than incremental upgrades.
Overall, Beatbot’s relentless pursuit of technological innovation and user-centric approach position them as a notable player in the robotics industry, primed for continued growth and success in various applications beyond pool cleaning.
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