Embodied intelligence and large models are further integrated. Zhiyuan Robotics recently announced a strategic cooperation with MiniMax (Shanghai Xiyu Technology), under which MiniMax will provide end-to-end text-to-speech (TTS) for Zhiyuan's humanoid robots, significantly enhancing the robot's natural interaction capabilities and emotional expression in real-world scenarios.

 Full-Chain Voice Empowerment, Building "Speaking" Intelligent Agents

This collaboration focuses on core voice synthesis technologies. MiniMax will deeply integrate its leading capabilities in high-naturalness voice generation, multi-emotion intonation modeling, and low-latency real-time inference into Zhiyuan Robotics' system. This means Zhiyuan's humanoid robots will be able to:

- Communicate with near-human fluency and intonation;

- Automatically switch between emotions such as joy, concern, and solemnity based on context;

- Achieve low-latency, high-clarity voice output in complex noise environments, ensuring efficient human-machine communication.

This technology will first be applied to Zhiyuan's robot products in scenarios such as home service, commercial tour guiding, and medical care, making AI not only "visible and correct," but also "accurate and warm."

 Strong Alliance: Large Model Companies × Embodied Intelligence Pioneers

MiniMax, a representative of the first-tier large model companies in China, has its MoE architecture large model and edge-side inference optimization capabilities widely applied in mobile phones, cars, and IoT devices. Zhiyuan Robotics, on the other hand, has made rapid breakthroughs in humanoid robot body control, motion planning, and scenario deployment. This collaboration marks the accelerating integration of the "brain" (large model).

Industry analysis indicates that voice interaction is a key step for humanoid robots to become practical. When robots can communicate with people using natural and warm voices, user acceptance and trust will greatly increase, paving the way for large-scale commercialization.

 AIbase Observation: Voice Is No Longer an "Additional Function," But the "Soul Interface" of Embodied Intelligence

In the current competition among humanoid robots, most manufacturers focus on physical abilities such as walking and grasping. However, the collaboration between Zhiyuan and MiniMax highlights the importance of interaction experience. In the future, robots that truly enter homes and public places may not be the fastest, but the ones who can "speak well" and "understand people best."