Ati Robotics' China-free robot strategy wins amid US import ban
Ati's 10,000-pound tugger is completely China-free, a rare feat in robotics.
After the FCC banned Chinese-made humanoids and advanced robotics from US import, most robotics startups found themselves scrambling—they rely heavily on Chinese hardware suppliers for components like actuators, motors, and sensors. But Ati Robotics, founded in 2017 by Saurabh Chandra, was ready. The company assembles its robots in India and deliberately developed its own hardware, a risky bet that has made its supply chain remarkably resistant to geopolitical shocks.
Ati's best-selling models showcase this resilience: the 10,000-pound tugger is completely China-free (aside from battery cells, which could be sourced from South Korea or Japan), and its pallet mover uses less than 5% Chinese components. The company even uses induction motors without rare-earth magnets to avoid Chinese supply chains, accepting a slight efficiency trade-off in exchange for security. Supporting this is a Bangalore-based R&D team that leverages India's booming EV components industry for reliable, cost-efficient automotive-grade parts. With several hundred robots already operating in warehouses and factories, 50+ customers, and a first humanoid launching soon, Ati is positioning itself as the go-to supplier for companies that need robots without China exposure.
- Ati's 10,000-pound tugger is completely China-free except for battery cells, and its pallet mover uses less than 5% Chinese parts.
- The startup leverages Bangalore's EV component supply chain to keep R&D costs low while using automotive-grade parts.
- Ati has several hundred robots in operation, 50+ customers, and its first humanoid will enter service later this year.
Why It Matters
With US bans on Chinese robotics, Ati offers a viable alternative for companies prioritizing supply-chain security and compliance.