BASF and Shanghai Fourier Intelligence team up to develop new material solutions for next-generation humanoid robots
Shanghai, China – August 18, 2025 – BASF and Shanghai Fourier Intelligence (Fourier) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate and develop new material solutions for various robot applications.
“We look forward to collaborating with BASF to help Fourier push the boundaries of embodied AI agent development and accelerate progress across the robotics industry,” said Alex Gu, Founder and CEO of Fourier.
As part of the strategic cooperation agreement, BASF and Fourier will explore and establish technical, commercial, marketing and business model cooperation in the application and development of Engineering Plastics, Polyurethanes and Thermoplastics Polyurethane for robots and its components.
“We are excited to partner with Fourier, a leading company in China’s humanoid robotics sector. By leveraging on our unique strengths and expertise, we aspire to develop cutting-edge material solutions that will foster co-creations and revolutionize the robotics industry,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.
The strategic cooperation agreement was initiated and facilitated by BASF Venture Capital (BVC) – the corporate venturing unit of BASF Group.
“Since 2001, BVC has globally facilitated numerous industrial collaborations between BASF and external partners, and this cooperation is the first one in robotics industry we have initiated in China. This achievement is another great example of how the BVC team creates value by building bridges between BASF and the world of startups,” said Roland Nunheim, Managing Director of BASF Venture Capital.
About Shanghai Fourier Intelligence
Fourier is a global leader in AI robotics company, dedicated to enhancing human life through full-stack robotics technology. Guided by the value of ‘innovation, reliable, accessible’, we focus on bringing cutting-edge robotics into hospitals, communities, homes, and everyday spaces — making robots part of the real world. Today, our GRx humanoid series, Fourier RehabHub, and open-source products serve over 3,000 institutions across 40 countries, accelerating the real-world adoption of embodied AI. Contact us: info@fftai.com
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
