NCS partners AGIBOT to deploy humanoid robots in Asia

NCS has partnered with AGIBOT and Anhui Huazhi Tiancheng Technology to develop humanoid robotics solutions for government and enterprise customers in Singapore and across Asia Pacific.

Under the memorandum of understanding, signed in Shanghai, the three companies will work on customised deployments that combine AGIBOT's humanoid robotics platform with NCS's systems integration capabilities and HZTC's expertise in tailoring robotics systems to local requirements.

AGIBOT will provide humanoid robotics platforms, embodied AI functions and application programming interfaces. NCS and HZTC will adapt and integrate the systems for local operating needs, including language and behaviour.

The work will include pilot projects in public and private sector settings, with early use cases identified in social services, smart buildings and public safety.

Regional push

The deal gives NCS a foothold in a robotics segment drawing growing interest from public agencies and large organisations exploring automation for frontline and operational tasks. It also marks a regional move for AGIBOT beyond its home market in China, with Singapore positioned as a base for wider expansion across Asia Pacific.

AGIBOT has previously said it rolled out its 10,000th robot, a sign of rising production scale in the sector. The company focuses on general-purpose embodied robots and is seeking to expand their use across a wider range of applications.

For NCS, the partnership adds humanoid systems to a broader push in what it calls Physical AI. The Singtel-owned company has a workforce of 15,000 across Asia Pacific and works with public and private sector customers on technology systems and digital infrastructure.

The solutions covered by the agreement are expected to draw on AI-based perception, environmental awareness, coordinated movement, object handling, mapping, navigation and edge computing. The goal is to make robots viable in more complex real-world settings rather than controlled test environments.

That reflects a wider industry shift as robotics groups seek to move humanoid machines from demonstrations into day-to-day operations. The commercial challenge lies less in building a robot body than in making systems dependable enough for tasks involving people, buildings and changing surroundings.

"As humanoid robots transition from prototypes into day-to-day use, safety and reliability are key. As an AI-led technology services firm, Physical AI and robotics are top priorities for NCS. By combining AGIBOT's humanoid platforms with NCS' deep industry sector expertise and proven track record in delivering mission-critical systems, we enable public agencies and enterprises across Singapore and the Asia Pacific to deploy Physical AI confidently in real-world environments, enhancing frontline operations, improving service delivery, and strengthening organisational resilience," said Sam Liew, Chief Executive Officer of NCS.

Groups developing humanoid robotics are increasingly targeting sectors where labour shortages, repetitive tasks or safety demands could support early deployment. Social care, facilities management and public safety are among the areas often cited, though broad commercial adoption remains at an early stage.

NCS's localisation role may be important in those settings, particularly where robots must operate in multilingual environments or align with local service processes. HZTC is expected to handle much of the customisation needed to adapt AGIBOT's systems for those deployments.

"We are excited to partner with NCS and HZTC to bring humanoid robotics into real-world government and enterprise operations across Singapore and the Asia Pacific," said Abel Deng, President of Asia-Pacific & Middle East region at AGIBOT. "NCS brings proven expertise in mission-critical integration and localisation, while HZTC delivers deep customisation capabilities. Together, we will accelerate Physical AI adoption with solutions that are intelligent, safe, reliable, and tailored to local needs. This partnership marks a key milestone in AGIBOT's global expansion beyond China, with Singapore as the ideal launchpad for the region."

The partnership also highlights how robotics vendors are relying on systems integrators to bridge the gap between hardware and customer operations. Large organisations often need robotics deployments to fit existing software, workflows and compliance requirements, making integration central to any commercial rollout.

"Through our collaboration with NCS and AGIBOT, we are accelerating robotics applications and AI adoption across Singapore," said Michael Chen, chief executive officer of HZTC. "This collaboration will set new benchmarks for large-scale humanoid robot deployment through industry-led use cases and ecosystem partnerships. HZTC remains committed to driving this progress with flexible, efficient, and customised service solutions."