HANGZHOU, China, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a leading global AI cloud platform service provider, made a strategic investment in Robopoet's recently closed RMB 100 million pre-A financing round. The round also drew participation from existing backers Sequoia China and GSR Ventures, along with two other new investors. Tuya's investment signals its accelerating push to close the commercialization loop for physical AI.
Behind the Investment: From AI Development to Global Expansion
Tuya's strategic investment comes as Robopoet's debut product Fuzozo has achieved cumulative domestic sales approaching 300,000 units as of June 2026. The two companies' partnership dates to 2025, when Tuya began providing the underlying global AI cloud platform that helped transform this compact, plush, eye-blinking AI emotional companion into a market sensation.
"2026 marks the critical window for AI hardware to be commercialized at scale. Market-validated, AI-native hardware is entering a phase of explosive growth," said Alex Yang, Co-founder, COO and CFO of Tuya Smart.
The strategic rationale goes beyond a bet on a single product category. It reflects a broader vision for AI hardware commercialization. As AI advances from models to real-world applications, AI hardware is emerging as a key bridge connecting the technology with consumers. From AI robots and toys to smart home devices, intelligent products are evolving into proactive AI companions. Through its AI+IoT ecosystem, Tuya will continue to drive the convergence of AI and the physical world.
Strong Market Validation of AI Toy Solutions
During the 618 Shopping Festival, China's largest mid-year online shopping event, Tuya's empowerment model proved its effectiveness at scale: Fuzozo sold 40,000 units, ranking first in Tmall's AI toy category, while other Tuya-empowered AI Toy products collectively demonstrated ecosystem-wide momentum: Walulu sold 8,000 units; AOOMII Smart AI Companion Robot, AI Scruffy Cat and Wozzi each reached approximately 5,000 units in sales; and Famue landed on JD.com's Smart Robot Gold List.
Despite their diverse forms and purposes, these products share a common foundation: Tuya provided critical support in either product innovation or market expansion. On the R&D side, Tuya AI Development Platform helped products rapidly navigate the journey from concept to mass production. On the market side, Tuya opened its localized operational resources and channel access capabilities, paving the way for brands like Fuzozo to enter the global market.
The breakout of these AI hardware products not only confirms that AI hardware is entering the public's daily life but also validates the maturity and replicability of the AI hardware empowerment model.
Empowering Physical AI Innovation with Full-Stack AI Capability
Underpinning this push is a comprehensive full-stack AI toolkit designed to lower barriers for hardware developers. Tuya has deployed a suite of proprietary technologies including the Personal Voice Activity Detection (PVAD) model, Physical AI Foundation V2.8, WukongAI 3.0, T-RTC real-time communication network, Physical Action Model, and OmniMem V2.0 long-term memory system.
Looking ahead, Tuya will continue to open its global AI cloud platform capabilities and overseas resources to support AI hardware innovators and the emerging "One Person Company" model. Through strategic investments such as Robopoet, Tuya aims to build a new growth model centered on AI platform empowerment, ecosystem collaboration, and global commercialization of AI hardware innovations.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Tuya Smart Accelerates Physical AI Commercialization with Strategic Investment in Robopoet
GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union has announced food vendors, merchants and nonprofits participating in the 2026 Festival taking place Friday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 30 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
Festival attendees can sample flavors from around the world, discover local businesses, shop artisan merchants and connect with organizations celebrating culture and community.
2026 Festival by the Numbers
Festival menus will include a variety of global cuisines and will be marked to identify gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan options. A complete list of food vendors and menus is available on The Festival website.
"One of the best parts of The Festival is that every vendor has a story to tell through food," said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Whether you're enjoying a favorite dish or trying something new for the first time, The Festival creates opportunities to experience cultures from around the world right here in Greater Des Moines."
In addition to the food vendors, attendees can shop with seven merchants and connect with five nonprofits organizations throughout The Festival.
Merchants:
- Alohana Creations
- Edara Wellness
- Ethnic Fusion
- Exotic World Gift Shop
- Fuzed Jewelry
- Inti
- Iowahenna and Face Painting
Nonprofits:
- AFS Midland Central Iowa (AFS-USA)
- Annie's Foundation
- CultureALL
- Iowa Office of Civil Rights
- Lutheran Services of Iowa
"The World Food & Music Festival showcases the people, organizations and cultures that help our communities thrive," said Shelly McGill, Veridian Credit Union's Central Iowa Regional Manager. "We're proud to support an event that fosters belonging and creates opportunities for local organizations."
"The World Food & Music Festival is a special event where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy great food and incredible music," said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. "Prairie Meadows is proud to sponsor the Main Stage and support an event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Greater Des Moines."
The Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines, Midwest Living and Prairie Meadows. It is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. Additional community partners supporting the event include the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and CultureALL.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up here and for all the latest Festival updates, visit the World Food & Music Festival's website.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more Downtowndsmusa.com.
Contact:
Metinka Slater
mslater@DSMpartnership.com
(515) 216-3989
Learn More About DSM USA
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
WORLD FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2026 FOOD VENDORS, MERCHANTS AND NONPROFITS
