Latest news with #Mornine
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
British car showrooms may feature AI-powered robots as salesmen soon
Robots powered by AI could soon be selling cars to customers in the UK as a global car manufacturer debuts an unusual new member of staff. Omoda and Jaecoo owner Chery has showed off robotic sales assistant 'Mornine' at the Shangai Motor Show on 23 April. It can greet customers, show them around a car, and even make them a tea or coffee. The AI robot uses machine learning to improve its performance, learning from interactions with customers. It has been trialled in showrooms in Malaysia and could soon be rolled out worldwide, a spokesperson for Chery said. The car maker added that Mornine has capabilities including perception, cognition, decision making and task execution and explained the 'ideal use case' was for 'dealer-level admin and service.' The car brand's robotics experts said Mornine uses speech and vision inputs that allow it to 'accurately interpret commands including physical gestures'. Ian Wallace, spokesperson for Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the UK, said Mornine could even be offered for use in people's homes in the future if showroom trials go well. He said: 'Mornine is an intelligent showroom aid. She can show customers around a vehicle, she can answer questions and she can make teas and coffees, so in a busy showroom environment, if staff are tied up, she's there to be a helpful face of the brand. 'She has learning capabilities so she can react to commands and learn your voice so if you were to use her in a household environment she would start to learn what you like and don't like.' Chery said the robot uses 'automotive-grade hardware' to allow it to walk upright and it has 'dexterous hands' to allow it to grip items. It can also distinguish between voices to identify different customers. The car maker also showcased a robotic dog called 'Argos' at the Shanghai show. They say the AI-powered animal is designed to offer companionship to those who are unable to keep real pets at home. The Independent
The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Humanoid robots gain momentum in commercial rollout in China
HEFEI: Standing 1.67 metres tall and weighing 65 kilograms, a humanoid robot named Mornine professionally introduces and recommends the latest car models to clients at a Chery automobile 4S store in Malaysia. Powered by advanced devices such as 3D lidar, panoramic camera and large language model, Mornine can autonomously plan its walking routes and promptly respond to consumer inquiries. In late April, the first batch of 220 such humanoid robots developed by Moga Technology Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker Chery, was officially delivered to clients worldwide. Zhang Guibin, president of Moga Technology, said that the robots will first be deployed at automobile 4S stores, then in public service places such as supermarkets, before finally entering households. Thanks to rapid advancements in technologies such as AI and large language models, China's robotics industry is undergoing a rapid transformation from laboratory research to mass production and applications. The industry is expected to see a market boom in the coming years. According to the Chinese Institute of Electronics, China's humanoid robot market is projected to reach 870 billion yuan (about US$121 billion) by 2030. The deep integration of AI, 5G communications, and brain-inspired computing is driving robotics into a new phase of embodied intelligence, said Liu Hong, director of the State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems. Chinese robotics firm EngineAI launched two robot models on an e-commerce platform in mid-April, with its flagship model PM01 boasting 24 degrees of freedom, or the number of movable joints, and a movement speed of 2 metres per second. This robot is capable of performing complex movements such as front flips and dancing, and can even assist police officers in street patrols. "As a high-performance hardware platform, the PM01 supports integration with a variety of developer ecosystems, making it adaptable to diverse application scenarios," said Zhang Shan, office director of EngineAI Hefei branch. So far, the robot has already been deployed in education, security patrols and firefighting, and the target is to deliver 1,000 units this year. These smart robots are also making inroads into industrial applications. Five Kuavo humanoid robots, developed by Leju Robotics, have been introduced to the production lines of Chinese carmaker FAW Hongqi this year, where they transport boxes for long hours. "Our Kuavo humanoid robots are primarily designed for logistics scenarios, such as transporting containers and sorting documents. The bipedal design offers advantages in moving in confined spaces or climbing stairs," said Wang Shuai, deputy general manager of Leju Robotics Hefei branch. According to Wang, the robots are currently in the testing and development phase and they will officially start to work in factories by year-end. Regions across China are investing heavily to foster this future industry. Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, has established a 10-billion-yuan fund to promote its smart robotics industry. Similar initiatives are underway in the provinces of Guangdong, Sichuan and Shanxi. Intelligence is the main focus of Hefei's industrial development strategy for the next decade, with intelligent robots forming a key part of the blueprint, said Wang Haixia, deputy mayor of Hefei. In 2024, the output value of Hefei's intelligent robotics industry exceeded 50 billion yuan, with the number of relevant enterprises increasing by 83 per cent year on year. As a new tech hub, the city is now home to over 160 enterprises across the entire robotics value chain, from R&D to manufacturing. Despite rapid progress, industry insiders widely believe that the mass application of robots still faces multiple challenges, such as an underdeveloped embodied brain and difficulty in expanding application scenarios. The smart robotics industry requires collaborative efforts to establish shared technological platforms, complete the list of application scenarios and build a more robust industrial ecosystem, said Liu. - Xinhua
Fox News
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
AI humanoid robot is changing the way you buy cars at dealerships
The world of car dealerships is changing rapidly as AI humanoid robots, once confined to factory floors, are now stepping into showrooms to greet customers, explain features and even pour coffee. At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Chinese automaker Chery showcased its latest advances, placing robots at the heart of the customer experience. Chery Automobile, a major Chinese carmaker, has introduced Mornine, a humanoid robot designed to work in car dealerships. Mornine is more than just a digital character. She is a physical robot who can explain vehicle specifications, lead showroom tours, serve refreshments, and communicate in multiple languages. Chery's Mornine is already working as an "Intelligent Sales Consultant" at a dealership in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the company plans to deliver 220 units to dealers worldwide this year. Mornine's design combines advanced robotics with a friendly digital persona, aiming to connect with younger, tech-savvy customers. Mornine is powered by Chery's expertise in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. The robot uses a multimodal sensing model to recognize gestures, voice commands, and environmental cues. Her hands are dexterous enough to serve drinks, and she can walk upright to guide customers around the showroom. Deepseek's large language models give Mornine the ability to understand natural language and provide personalized answers, which makes interactions feel more natural and engaging. Chery envisions Mornine moving beyond car sales. Thanks to her flexible design and advanced artificial intelligence, the robot could one day work in malls, cinemas, exhibitions, and even homes or eldercare facilities. The company sees Mornine as a step toward a future where artificial intelligence is always by your side, with robots acting as daily companions and assistants. Chery believes that humanoid robots will become as important as vehicles in the coming years. These robots offer a new way to engage customers, streamline operations, and showcase technological leadership. With features such as real-time language translation, fluid movement, and the ability to answer complex questions, robots like Mornine are poised to transform how we buy cars and interact with brands. Humanoid robots in car dealerships are no longer science fiction. With models such as Mornine and Iron, Chinese automakers are leading a new wave of customer service, blending advanced artificial intelligence and robotics with real-world applications. While some may find these robots a bit uncanny, their potential to revolutionize retail and daily life is clear. The future of car buying might just include a handshake or even a fist bump from a robot. If you are curious about how these robots compare to others like Tesla's Optimus, or want to know more about their technology, there is much more to explore as this trend continues to evolve. Would you feel comfortable buying your next car from a humanoid robot sales assistant instead of a human salesperson? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Malaysia Sun
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysia Sun
Economic Watch: Wheels to wings: Chinese automakers challenge frontiers of mobility
SHANGHAI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025), Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker XPENG's humanoid robot, IRON, stole the spotlight by debating the merits of the company's self-developed flying car with its creator, CEO He Xiaopeng. Combining an electric road vehicle with an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air module, the model has already garnered nearly 5,000 pre-orders since its debut at Airshow China last year. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026. "This is the Land Aircraft Carrier, the first-ever mass-produced flying car. The tech is absolutely next-level!" IRON said, raising its left hand and giving a thumbs-up to its audience. This fusion of robotics and aerial mobility signals a tectonic shift: China's auto industry is no longer confined to four wheels, with automakers breaking the mold and re-imagining mobility. And with embodied AI, cars aren't just evolving -- they're branching out into the areas of flying vehicles and humanoid robotics, forging a futuristic trio for the AI era. BEYOND WHEELS Behind this technological spectacle is an impressive industry performance. Official data showed that China's auto production and sales both saw year-on-year growth exceeding 10 percent in the first quarter, and its low-altitude economy, according to industry analysts, is rapidly approaching the 1-trillion-yuan (about 138.8 billion U.S. dollars) milestone, growing at a compound annual rate of nearly 30 percent. "The intelligent automotive sector is evolving into an aggregated intelligent industry," said Zhang Yongwei, vice chairman and secretary-general of NEV industry think tank China EV 100. "Smart vehicles stay on roads, flying cars ascend to low-altitude skies, and humanoid robots embody AI-driven mobility." This three-pronged vision materialized at the show: Chery's "three-body" composite-wing flying car attracted Southeast Asian buyers seeking island-hopping solutions, while GAC Group showcased its third-generation GoMate robot capable of navigating factory floors, with its six-hour battery life powered by auto-grade energy systems. "Our humanoid robot, Mornine, is now serving as a digital shopping assistant at Chery's dealerships in Malaysia," a company representative said, adding that following its rollout in Malaysia and Russia, Chery aims to have Mornine present in all of its dealerships worldwide. FAW Group unveiled its Hongqi-branded flying car at the show, featuring a flight range of over 200 kilometers and an intelligent cockpit system that delivers real-time voice and visual data to reduce operational complexity. The Changchun-based automaker confirmed that the vehicle will make its maiden flight this year, with development adhering to strict aviation safety standards. "Future auto shows won't just feature cars, they'll showcase more cutting-edge tech and embodied AI," He Xiaopeng said, drawing parallels to the early days of NEVs a decade ago. While flying cars and humanoid robots are still in their nascent stages, the tech entrepreneur feels confident in their rapid growth within the coming decade. SYNERGY UNLEASHED Smart cars, flying vehicles and humanoid robots share common technical foundation and supply chains. Analysts say that eVTOLs can share up to 80 percent of their supply chain with electric vehicles, leveraging China's mature EV supply chain for cost efficiency. "Smart vehicles, eVTOLs and robots share the same fundamental roots," Zhang said, adding that the control architectures, key hardware chips and software platforms developed for intelligent vehicles can be adapted for eVTOLs directly, with many components also transferable to humanoid robots. This technological synergy has been affirmed by many industry insiders. Aptiv China and Asia Pacific President Yang Xiaoming described flying cars as "electric vehicles that fly," saying that they bridge automotive electrification and aviation compliance. And startups like Digua Robotics see cars as "four-wheeled robots." "Autonomous driving systems -- cameras, radar and AI chips -- are identical to robotics," Digua CEO Wang Cong said. Bolstered by thriving aviation, NEV, 5G and AI industries, China's flying car sector has built a solid industrial foundation, achieving technological parity with global competitors and even leading in certain areas. The inexorable logic of scale also persists. With 30 million vehicles produced annually, Chinese automakers can slash costs for niche products like flying cars and robots. For example, GAC's GoMate robots are now capable of handling full vehicle production tasks in its auto plants, creating a self-contained business ecosystem within the automaker. BRIGHT HORIZON After 40 years of evolution, the Shanghai auto show has cemented its position as the world's premier automotive exhibition in both scale and prestige. "The exceptional visitor enthusiasm at this year's event speaks volumes about the robustness of China's industrial ecosystem and the magnetic pull of its economy," said Gu Chunting, vice chairman of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai, which organized the event alongside the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. From Toyota's 2-billion-dollar Shanghai EV hub to BMW's deepened partnerships with Chinese tech companies like Huawei and DeepSeek, global players are anchoring themselves in China's mobility metamorphosis. "China has emerged as the world's foremost proving ground for electric and intelligent vehicle transformation over the past 10 years," said Guan Mingyu, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company Greater China, noting that the Chinese market's evolution in these sectors will reshape global automotive technology roadmaps, business architectures and competitive dynamics through the next decade. From wheels to wings and robots, China's auto industry is pioneering a smart ecosystem powered by cross-sector synergy and industrial scale. The country's eVTOL industry is approaching the threshold of mass production and scaled deployment, and its humanoid robotics are just beginning to show growth potential. "China's low-altitude economy hit its stride since last year," said Zhao Deli, founder of XPENG's flying car affiliate, Huitian. "Policy tailwinds, infrastructure rollouts and maturing supply chains are fueling growth, especially in drone logistics, air taxis and emergency services." Zhao noted that China's low-altitude tourism sector, though still small-scale due to infrastructure gaps and high costs, holds strong growth potential. Fueled by rising demand, it could become both a tourism highlight and a driver of regional economic development. "More supportive policies will energize the market, channeling greater resources into infrastructure development, investment and consumer engagement," he added.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AI-powered robot salesperson could be coming to UK showrooms
Robots powered by AI could soon be selling cars to customers in the UK as a global car manufacturer debuts an unusual new member of staff. Omoda and Jaecoo owner Chery has showed off robotic sales assistant 'Mornine' at the Shangai Motor Show on 23 April. It can greet customers, show them around a car, and even make them a tea or coffee. The AI robot uses machine learning to improve its performance, learning from interactions with customers. It has been trialled in showrooms in Malaysia and could soon be rolled out worldwide, a spokesperson for Chery said. The car maker added that Mornine has capabilities including perception, cognition, decision making and task execution and explained the 'ideal use case' was for 'dealer-level admin and service.' The car brand's robotics experts said Mornine uses speech and vision inputs that allow it to 'accurately interpret commands including physical gestures'. Ian Wallace, spokesperson for Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the UK, said Mornine could even be offered for use in people's homes in the future if showroom trials go well. He said: 'Mornine is an intelligent showroom aid. She can show customers around a vehicle, she can answer questions and she can make teas and coffees, so in a busy showroom environment, if staff are tied up, she's there to be a helpful face of the brand. 'She has learning capabilities so she can react to commands and learn your voice so if you were to use her in a household environment she would start to learn what you like and don't like.' Chery said the robot uses 'automotive-grade hardware' to allow it to walk upright and it has 'dexterous hands' to allow it to grip items. It can also distinguish between voices to identify different customers. The car maker also showcased a robotic dog called 'Argos' at the Shanghai show. They say the AI-powered animal is designed to offer companionship to those who are unable to keep real pets at home.
