Mint and Rice Robotics launch joint venture to expand AI companion robot business, raising HK$15 million in funding

AI For Business


HONG KONG, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mint Incorporation Limited (“Mint” or the “Company” and its subsidiaries “Group”; NASDAQ: MIMI), a Hong Kong-based company with a strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics and an established provider of interior design and fitout for businesses, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Aspiration X Limited (“Aspiration X”) entered into a joint venture on May 22, 2026. We have reached an agreement with Rice Robotics Holdings Limited (“Rice Robotics”) to establish a new joint venture company in the British Virgin Islands, Rice Robotics AGI Holding Limited (“Rice Robotics AGI”) (the “JV Agreement”). Rice Robotics AGI will focus on developing and selling next-generation AI companion robots. It may also be expanded or modified by Rice Robotics AGI from time to time pursuant to the joint venture agreement.

Pursuant to the JV agreement, Aspiration Meanwhile, Rice Robotics will, inter alia, provide its existing technology, intellectual property, clients, know-how, marketing and sales support to Rice Robotics AGI. The joint venture agreement also contains customary provisions regarding the governance of Rice Robotics AGI, including stockholder consent rights on certain material matters, transfer restrictions, and pre-emption rights related to future issuance of Rice Robotics AGI shares. The establishment of this joint venture marks an important strategic step for Mint to further expand its footprint in the AI ​​companion robot market and is expected to expand the group’s robotics capabilities from B2B applications to the consumer sector.

The partnership brings together Mint’s strategic resources and Rice Robotics’ proven autonomous navigation and AI technology and builds on the successful joint development and delivery of the FLOKI Minibot M1 for commercial applications. Rice Robotics AGI is now expected to channel its technology foundation directly into the consumer sector and focus on developing and commercializing consumer AI companion robots that integrate emotional AI and autonomous navigation to create enjoyable everyday experiences.

Damian Chan, Chairman and CEO of Mintsaid: “The signing of this joint venture agreement through Aspiration Through AGI, we are making dedicated investments and strategic focus to expand our reach into the consumer market at scale. We believe we can meaningfully lower the barrier to adoption and meet the growing demand for intelligent and fun companionship for families.”



Source link