Mint’s New JV Rice Robotics AGI Integrates Fan-Favorite B.Duck IP for Companion Robot Debut at Licensing Expo Las Vegas
Rhea-AI Summary
Mint (NASDAQ:MIMI) formed a new joint venture, Rice Robotics AGI, with Rice Robotics to accelerate AI robotics expansion. The JV signed a non-binding MOU with B.Duck Group to license the popular B.Duck IP for AI companion robots.
Flagship robot B.Duck NAVI, featuring autonomous navigation and emotional AI, is planned as the JV’s first consumer-focused model and will debut at Licensing Expo Las Vegas in May 2026. Mint plans to contribute approximately HK$15,000,000 to develop the JV.
Positive
- Mint to contribute approximately HK$15,000,000 to Rice Robotics AGI for development
- New joint venture Rice Robotics AGI established with Rice Robotics
- Strategic move to expand robotics business from B2B into B2C consumer markets
- Planned flagship AI companion robot B.Duck NAVI targeting family and youth segments
- Global debut of B.Duck NAVI scheduled at Licensing Expo Las Vegas in May 2026
Negative
- B.Duck IP license remains under a non-binding MOU pending definitive agreement
- Planned HK$15,000,000 capital contribution to the JV before demonstrated consumer revenue
News Market Reaction – MIMI
In the May 28 session, MIMI declined 8.81%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +30.1% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -18.2% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 17 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 25.8x the daily average, suggesting significant selling pressure.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 04 | Reverse stock split | Neutral | -11.7% | Implemented 1-for-10 reverse split to address Nasdaq minimum bid requirement. |
| Apr 14 | Robotics expo showcase | Positive | +104.1% | AXONEX exhibited six AI robot series at InnoEX, including NEX and FLOKI M1. |
| Mar 11 | Digital twin JV | Positive | +10.5% | Axonex Automation JV with STG to commercialize digital twin and drone control tech. |
| Feb 25 | FLOKI prototype | Positive | +16.7% | Delivered first FLOKI Minibot M1 prototype and proposed higher JV investment. |
| Feb 09 | Rice Robotics MOU | Positive | +37.1% | Signed MOU with Rice Robotics to pursue Physical AI JV and new use cases. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
AI/robotics partnership and product-exhibit news has repeatedly coincided with strong positive moves, while structural actions like the reverse split saw weakness.
Over the last six months, Mint has focused on AI and robotics partnerships and commercialization. Key milestones include multiple collaborations with Rice Robotics, the FLOKI Minibot M1 prototype, and a digital twin/drone joint venture, all followed by positive moves of 10–104%. A recent 1-for-10 reverse split tied to Nasdaq compliance drew a negative -11.67% reaction. Today’s B.Duck NAVI JV and B2C expansion fit the pattern of AI/robotics growth initiatives that previously aligned with favorable price responses.
Key Terms
memorandum of understanding regulatory
mou regulatory
ip license financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Hong Kong, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mint Incorporation Limited (“Mint” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, NASDAQ: MIMI), a Hong Kong-based company strategically focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and an established business interior design and fit-out works provider, today announced a major step forward in its robotics business expansion. Following the successful delivery of FLOKI Minibot M1, the Group has established a new joint venture with Rice Robotics Holdings Limited (“Rice Robotics”) — Rice Robotics AGI Holding Limited (“Rice Robotics AGI”). The joint venture has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with certain subsidiaries of B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited (“B.Duck Semk”, together with its subsidiaries, the “B.Duck Group”, HKEX: 2250), the owner of Hong Kong's iconic original intellectual property (IP) character B.Duck, to commence the launch of a new AI companion robot, B.Duck NAVI, which will make its global debut at Licensing Expo Las Vegas.
Under the MOU, B.Duck Semk will, subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, grant Rice Robotics AGI an IP license for the development and commercialization of AI companion robots featuring the B.Duck character. The collaboration is intended to create a deep strategic partnership that begins with IP licensing and expand into broader co-development initiatives over time.
Under the proposed collaboration, B.Duck NAVI is planned as the joint venture’s inaugural AI companion robot model. Its name, derived from the word “navigation,” underscores its autonomous walking functionality. The robot integrates AI-powered emotional companionship, voice interaction, intelligent learning, and daily life assistance, designed as an intelligent daily companion for family consumers. This collaboration will mark Mint’s strategic move to expand its robotics business from business-to-business (B2B) into the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, fully embracing the growth potential of AI companion robots.
Photo Caption
B.Duck NAVI is planned as the first flagship product under the newly formed joint venture, Rice Robotics AGI Holding Limited, representing Mint’s strategic move to expand its robotics business from B2B into the B2C market.
Mr. Damian Chan, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Mint, said: “Following the successful delivery of the first prototype of the AI companion robot FLOKI Minibot M1, co-developed with Rice Robotics, we have recognized the immense potential of AI companion robots. To accelerate our expansion, we have established Rice Robotics AGI with Rice Robotics, with Mint contributing approximately HK
Mr. Victor Lee, Founder of Rice Robotics and Chief Executive Officer of Rice Robotics AGI, said: “Rice Robotics AGI was created to accelerate the building of consumer-ready AI robots that people genuinely want in their daily lives. B.Duck NAVI is positioned to be the first expression of this mission — combining a beloved IP with real autonomous navigation and interactive AI capabilities. We’re excited to debut B.Duck NAVI at Licensing Expo Las Vegas, which will represent a meaningful step toward making companion robots accessible to more families.”
Mr. Ha Lam Hui, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of B.Duck Semk, said: “B.Duck has been a beloved part of Hong Kong’s creative culture for over two decades. This collaboration with Rice Robotics AGI marks a pivotal moment — the first time our iconic character steps into the world of AI companion robotics. What begins as an IP licensing partnership envisioned under the MOU is built on a foundation for much deeper strategic cooperation. By combining B.Duck’s proven brand equity and fan base across Asia with Rice Robotics AGI’s autonomous navigation and emotional AI technology, we are creating something genuinely new: an AI companion that families will welcome into their homes not as a gadget, but as a friend. B.Duck NAVI embodies our shared vision — making emotional AI companionship warm, accessible, and joyful. We are proud to debut this product at Licensing Expo Las Vegas, a global stage where the world’s most influential brands come together, and we look forward to bringing B.Duck NAVI to families across Asia and beyond.”
B.Duck NAVI will make its debut at Licensing Expo Las Vegas, scheduled for 19–21 May 2026 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center — the world’s largest and most influential brand licensing event, attracting leading IP licensors and licensees from around the world annually.
The MOU is non-binding and is subject to the execution of a definitive agreement.
- End-
About Mint Incorporation Limited
Mint Incorporation Limited (NASDAQ: MIMI), a Hong-Kong based enterprise listed on NASDAQ, specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and interior design. Through its subsidiary, Aspiration X Limited, Mint delivers intelligent robotics and facility management solutions to enterprises, real estate, shopping centers, government agencies, and more. Mint also operates Matter International Limited, providing professional interior design and renovation services. With a focus on innovation and practical applications, Mint is committed to enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality of life across industries.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results, and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
| Media Enquiries | ||
| Strategic Financial Relations Limited | ||
| Vicky Lee | Tel: (852) 2864 4834 | E-mail: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk |
| Rachel Ko | Tel: (852) 2114 2370 | E-mail: rachel.ko@sprg.com.hk |
| Cherrie Man | Tel: (852) 2864 4846 | E-mail: cherrie.man@sprg.com.hk |
| B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited Investor Relations | ||
| Kai Wong | Tel: (852) 2469 9599 | E-mail: bduckir@semk.net |
