BYD sells more electric cars than anyone. Next month, it wants to sell you one using a robot.
China’s biggest EV maker will unveil its first humanoid robot in August, at its Di Space experience centres in Zhengzhou, the company told the South China Morning Post. It will be a working prototype, not a concept, and it will mingle with visitors.
The robot reportedly has a name and a job. According to Chinese outlet KrASIA, citing a since-deleted BYD post, it is called “Xiao Di,” a service humanoid that stands 1.61 metres, weighs 58.5kg and can translate between six Chinese dialects and six foreign languages in real time. BYD has not officially confirmed the specs.
Cars first, then everything else
The plan starts in the showroom. Executive vice-president Stella Li wants two or three robots in every BYD store, greeting customers and explaining cars. She insists they will assist human staff, not replace them.
