BYD fights car sales slump with humanoid robots in showrooms
▼ Summary
– BYD, the world’s top electric vehicle seller, plans to unveil its first working humanoid robot in August.
– The robot will be introduced at the company’s Di Space experience centers in Zhengzhou, China.
– The prototype is functional, not just a concept model.
BYD, already the world’s top seller of electric vehicles, is now turning to robots to reverse a slowdown in car sales. Next month, the Chinese automaker will introduce its first humanoid robot at its Di Space experience centers in Zhengzhou. According to a company statement to the South China Morning Post, the robot will be a fully functional prototype, not a display model.
The move comes as BYD faces a slump in car sales and looks for new ways to engage customers. By deploying robots in showrooms, the company aims to create a futuristic, interactive shopping experience that could set it apart from competitors. The robot, reportedly named Xiao Di, is designed to assist visitors, answer questions, and demonstrate the brand’s technological ambitions.
This strategy reflects a broader trend among Chinese automakers, who are increasingly using AI-powered service robots to attract tech-savvy buyers. BYD’s pilot program in Zhengzhou could be expanded to other locations if the prototype performs well. The company has not yet disclosed a timeline for mass production or wider deployment of the humanoid robots.
(Source: The Next Web)
