BYD confirms plans to build and sell humanoid robots
BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has officially confirmed plans to develop and sell humanoid robots, leveraging its automotive AI and manufacturing expertise. The company aims to sell these robots through its existing dealer network, positioning itself as a major player in the emerging robotics market alongside competitors like Chery and Xpeng.
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD has confirmed its entry into the humanoid robotics market, marking a strategic expansion beyond automotive production. The company’s Executive Vice President, Li Ke, stated that BYD is already in the research and development phase, emphasizing the company’s strengths in manufacturing scale, software, and hardware—key areas for success in robotics. BYD plans to sell its humanoid robots through its existing automotive dealer network if they transition into household products, streamlining distribution. The company views automotive AI and robotics as interconnected fields, with shared technological foundations in sensors, AI processing, and motion control. BYD’s ability to mass-produce complex hardware, demonstrated by its April 2026 delivery of over 321,000 vehicles, will be critical in scaling robot production. Unlike some competitors, BYD intends to adopt an open-platform strategy, manufacturing its own robots while collaborating with external firms—a model similar to its automotive approach. This hybrid method combines in-house innovation with a vast supplier network, ensuring flexibility and efficiency. BYD is not alone in this shift; other Chinese automakers like Chery and Xpeng are also pursuing robotics. Chery’s robotics arm launched consumer sales for its Mornine M1 humanoid robot in April 2026, priced at approximately 280,000 yuan ($41,400 USD). Xpeng has linked its AI strategy and autonomous driving ambitions to future robotics applications, signaling a broader industry trend. While BYD has not disclosed a commercial timeline, technical details, or pricing for its robots, its entry guarantees increased competition in the humanoid robotics race. The company’s dominance in electric vehicles and its existing infrastructure position it as a formidable player in this emerging market.
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