German materials manufacturer Covestro has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China's Hikrobot and Carthane to advance innovative material applications in smart logistics and robotics.

Under the agreements, signed during CHINAPLAS 2026, Covestro and Hikrobot will co-develop solutions for parcel sorting, factory automation and related applications, with Hikrobot prioritizing Covestro's material solutions and receiving full R&D support. The collaboration with Carthane will focus on commercializing advanced materials for critical robot components such as feet.

"Covestro is evolving from a material supplier to a strategic enabler across the robotics value chain," said Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. "At a critical stage of industrial-scale deployment, we are deepening collaboration with industry pioneers to advance next-generation materials, accelerate scalable production, and embed sustainability from the start — supporting the robotics industry on a greener path."

Andrew Liang (3rd from right), Head of Sales and Development, Electronics & Electrical China at Covestro's Engineering Plastics business entity, and Ryan Zhou (3rd from left), General Manager of Hikrobot Shanghai Branch, sign an MoU on behalf of their respective companies to drive material innovation in smart logistics. (Source: Covestro)

Partnering with Hikrobot for smart logistics

Hikrobot is a provider of machine vision, mobile robots and articulated robot products and solutions, focusing on industrial IoT, smart logistics and intelligent manufacturing. Covestro and Hikrobot are joining forces to develop products and system solutions for smart logistics and intelligent manufacturing.

"We are delighted to enter this strategic partnership with Covestro in high-performance materials and intelligent logistics. Covestro's comprehensive material technology support will help Hikrobot enhance its product innovation capabilities and market competitiveness. We look forward to achieving more breakthroughs together at both the technology and product levels," said Xie Mingqiang, Vice President and Head of Supply Chain at Hikrobot.

As the logistics industry accelerates its intelligent transformation, robots face increasing demands for precision, stability and service life. Under the MoU, the two companies will co-develop applications in express delivery, e-commerce and factory automation. Hikrobot will prioritize Covestro's material solutions, while Covestro will provide comprehensive R&D and testing support.

Covestro addresses key challenges in smart logistics with advanced materials. For example, Bayblend® polycarbonate enables lightweight, impact-resistant housings and structural components, while Makrolon® polycarbonate offers high infrared transmittance for precise sensing and movement.

Simon Chen (2nd from right), Head of Elastomers Asia Pacific at Covestro, and Hou Zhenkun (2nd from left), Director and General Manager of Carthane, sign an MoU on behalf of their respective companies to expand collaboration into robotics. (Source: Covestro)

Partnering with Carthane: from automotive to robotics

Building on their established collaboration in elastomer materials for the automotive sector, Covestro and Carthane will expand into robotics, focusing on applications such as robot feet.

"Covestro is a long-trusted strategic partner of ours. Our successful collaboration in the automotive sector provides a solid foundation for this expansion into robotics. Covestro's strengths in material innovation complement Carthane's capabilities in value chain management and systems integration, and together we will drive the commercial adoption of advanced materials in the robotics sector," said Hou Zhenkun, Director and General Manager of Carthane.

Robot feet and joints require high performance in shock absorption, noise reduction, impact resistance and durability. Covestro's Vulkollan® elastomer, with its outstanding dynamic load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance, as well as excellent wear and impact resistance, effectively protects critical robotic components, significantly extends the service life of robot feet, and enhances overall operational stability and reliability.