Covestro partners with Hikrobot and Carthane to advance material innovation in smart logistics and robotics
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.”
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.
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.
Visit Covestro at CHINAPLAS 2026, Hall 7.2, Booth C38, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), to discover how the Material Effect is shaping the future.
About Hikrobot:
As a global provider of machine vision, mobile robots and articulated robots, Hikrobot empowers industrial transformation through IIoT, smart logistics, and manufacturing solutions. Committed to an open ecosystem, we continuously drive innovation to lead the intelligent manufacturing process.
About Carthane:
Shanghai Carthane Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000 and is a listed company in China’s automotive components industry (Stock Code: 603037). The company has long specialized in the research, development, and application of advanced polymer materials, focusing on core automotive components. Its main products include polyurethane jounce bumpers, lightweight pedal assemblies, and other high-performance components, which are widely supplied to leading domestic and international automotive brands.
Driven by continuous technological innovation and reliable product quality, Carthane has maintained a leading position in its niche markets. Core products such as polyurethane jounce bumpers hold a strong share in the domestic market, while the company continues to expand into new energy vehicle and intelligent mobility related sectors.
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 12.9 billion in fiscal year 2025. At the end of 2025, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,600 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.