BYD has confirmed that it will unveil its first humanoid robot in August at one of its Di Space venues, marking the automaker’s entry into the robotics sector. Di Space is BYD’s network of offline science education and experience centers, and a recent teaser image posted by its Zhengzhou location hinted at an early-August debut. The promotional material emphasized interactivity rather than technical specifications, suggesting that visitors may observe subtle movements as they approach the robot.
Given Di Space’s focus on hands-on demonstrations, the upcoming event is expected to feature a physical prototype rather than a conceptual render. BYD first signaled its interest in humanoid robotics late last year, establishing a dedicated team under its 15th Business Division to develop embodied artificial intelligence products. Executive Vice President Stella Li has explained that success in robotics depends on manufacturing capacity as well as software and hardware expertise—capabilities that overlap with the company’s automotive operations.
Li has also outlined plans to create an open robotics platform that supports both in-house designs and collaborative projects with other firms. She envisions a future in which each BYD showroom hosts two or three robots to introduce vehicles and guide customers, with commercially viable robot sales advisors arriving within the next one to two years. However, Li maintains that robots will complement rather than replace the human interaction that underpins customer relationships.
Chinese automakers are increasingly exploring the robotics field. Brands such as Aimoga, incubated by Chery, have begun marketing humanoid robots to consumers, while SAIC-GM has deployed wheeled humanoid units on battery assembly lines. Another competitor has announced plans to start mass production of its Iron humanoid robot by year-end. A BYD executive noted that the company is also evaluating ways to integrate its robots into household settings, signaling ambitions that extend beyond commercial showrooms.
Source: CNEVPost
