China updates: BASF to utilise Sevnce Robotics’ solutions at sites; Umicore opens R&D centre

German chemicals firm BASF and Sevnce Robotics have tied up to strengthen collaboration between the robotic industry and the chemical sector. Through the partnership, both companies aim to advance the smart and sustainable transformation of the chemical industry.

The companies will explore potential applications of Sevnce’s robotic and intelligent inspection solutions at BASF sites. The collaboration supports the chemical industry’s ongoing digitalisation and automation journey, with a particular focus on safety‑critical applications.

In parallel, both sides have said they will advance materials innovation for key robotic components. Leveraging BASF’s leading expertise in performance materials such as Engineering Plastics, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Polyurethane Systems, the collaboration will focus on lightweight design for quadruped and humanoid robots, supporting performance optimisation and continuous product improvement.

Jeffrey Lou, Chairman/President of BASF Greater China said the companies will drive material innovation for core robotic components, advancing robotic solutions toward enhanced safety, lightweight design, intelligence and customisation.

“Combining with BASF's material innovation capabilities, we aim to explore the integration of new materials and intelligent devices, focusing on lightweight and biomimetic design of robots,” added Zhu Dong, Chairman of Sevnce Robotics.

In other news, materials/recycling company Umicore recently inaugurated its new innovation centre in Shanghai, China, the company’s first corporate R&D facility outside Europe. The centre will reinforce the link between its local business activities and innovation needs.

Located in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and spanning approximately 3,600 sq m, it is designed as a hub for R&D projects and collaborative innovation. The innovation centre will drive projects within Umicore’s global research portfolio and foster all-round collaboration with leading universities, companies and institutes in China.

The centre will focus initially on fuel cell applications and recycling technologies and will expand to catalysis for renewable energy and stationary applications, including CO2 capture and hydrogen production.

With the opening of the innovation centre in Shanghai, Umicore says it is reinforcing its 40 years presence in China.

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