Xiaomi Brings In Former Tesla Engineer To Strengthen Its Robotics Development
Xiaomi has taken a major step forward in its robotics ambitions by hiring Zach Lu Zeyu, a former senior engineer from Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot team. As global competition in robotics continues to accelerate, top companies are racing to attract engineers with rare skills in dexterous robotics, sensing technologies, and advanced manipulation systems. Xiaomi’s decision to recruit a specialist from one of the world’s most high-profile robotics teams highlights just how serious the company is about becoming a major player in next-generation intelligent machines.
A key role inside Xiaomi’s growing robotics division
According to his LinkedIn profile, Lu joined Xiaomi last month and is now leading research and development efforts for the company’s dexterous robotic hand technology. This role places him at the center of one of the most challenging fields in robotics. Designing hands that can grasp objects naturally, manipulate them precisely and respond to subtle tactile feedback is considered essential for building humanoid robots that can function safely and independently in real world environments. Xiaomi’s decision to give Lu a leadership role shows the company’s confidence in his experience and vision.
Experience built at Tesla’s Optimus project
Before joining Xiaomi, Lu spent nearly two years at Tesla working on the Optimus humanoid robot, one of the most ambitious robotics projects publicly under development today. At Tesla, he contributed to the design of dexterous grasping systems, which allow robots to handle objects with accuracy and stability. He also worked on tactile sensing technologies that help robots “feel” pressure, texture, and object positioning. These capabilities are crucial for robots designed to perform everyday tasks such as opening doors, picking up tools, or sorting items. Lu’s contributions at Tesla helped shape early versions of Optimus, and now he brings that expertise to Xiaomi.
A competitive industry hungry for robotics specialists
Lu’s move reflects a broader trend of rapid hiring and intense competition across the robotics world. Companies in China, the United States, Japan and Europe are expanding their teams to pursue advances in humanoid robotics, warehouse automation, home assistance robots and industrial robotics. Skilled engineers with experience in tactile sensing, precision mechanics and intelligent control systems are in particularly high demand. Xiaomi is among several Chinese firms aiming to build strong robotics teams that can compete with leading global developers. Hiring talent directly from projects like Tesla’s Optimus gives companies an advantage by bringing in proven knowledge of cutting edge robotics engineering.
Xiaomi’s vision for next generation humanoid robots
Xiaomi has already showcased its interest in robotics through previous demonstrations of robotic prototypes and intelligent machines. The company has stated that it wants to integrate robotics into its broader ecosystem, combining AI, hardware engineering and consumer technology. Having an experienced engineer like Lu lead dexterous hand development is essential for building robots capable of performing real tasks rather than just demonstrating simple movements. The focus on hand design is particularly important for Xiaomi’s long term goal of creating useful household and industrial robots that can interact naturally with their surroundings.
Bridging expertise from global tech leaders
Talent movement between the world’s biggest tech companies often leads to new waves of innovation. Engineers bring with them knowledge of best practices, new techniques and lessons learned from early prototypes. Lu’s transition from Tesla to Xiaomi demonstrates how China’s robotics sector is becoming more connected with global research networks. By working with experts who have experience in American robotics labs, Xiaomi can accelerate the development of its own technologies and reduce the time needed to create competitive prototypes.
What this means for Xiaomi’s future direction
Hiring a high profile engineer signals that Xiaomi is preparing to invest heavily in robotics during the coming years. As AI grows more advanced, the demand for machines that can interact physically with the world is also rising. Robots with dexterous hands will be essential for smart factories, logistics centers and even home environments. Lu’s leadership could help Xiaomi build prototypes that demonstrate meaningful capabilities, moving the company closer to delivering commercially viable robots.
A growing robotics landscape in China
China is becoming one of the world’s most active robotics markets, supported by strong manufacturing capabilities, large scale testing environments and rising consumer interest. Companies like Xiaomi are positioning themselves to take advantage of this opportunity by building teams that blend hardware engineering, AI research and human centered design. Recruiting international talent is a major part of that strategy. As competition increases, the companies that can attract and retain the best engineers will be the ones shaping the next generation of intelligent robots.
