Chery unveiled Mornine robot at media event in Wuhu and Shanghai.
Aimoga division will lead future business beyond automotive manufacturing.
Dealers offered discounts on robots, but no confirmed purchases yet.
Chinese automaker Chery introduced its humanoid robot Mornine during a weeklong dealer and media event held at the Shanghai Auto Show and in its home city of Wuhu. This is part of its push into the robotics sector.
Multiple Mornine units were deployed throughout the event, engaging with more than 3,000 attendees. The robots provided information on vehicle specifications, performed service-related tasks, and supported the launch of Chery’s new compact SUV. The event also featured a live crash test and tours of Chery’s local assembly plants.
Chery International President Zhang Guibing described the robot and its parent division, Aimoga, as central to the company’s future business model. “Aimoga is the real future for the Chery company,” Zhang said during a presentation at an outdoor festival in Wuhu. He added that humanoid robotics could surpass the automaker’s traditional vehicle business.
Zhang said the robot, priced similarly to a passenger vehicle, is intended to serve both personal and professional roles, such as assisting in daily tasks or acting as showroom staff. “One assistant for living, one assistant for your job,” he said.
According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, the humanoid robot market could reach $50 trillion by 2050, replacing over 63 million jobs globally. Chery is looking to align itself with this trajectory, following similar moves by other manufacturers exploring robotics as a long-term growth area.
Chery announced plans to deliver 220 Mornine units to its global dealer network later this year. The robots have surround-view cameras, articulated hands, vocal interaction, and mobile capabilities. One robot is currently being trialled at a dealership in Malaysia.
Dealers were encouraged to order Mornine robots as sales assistants for their showrooms, and an undisclosed discount was offered as an incentive. However, several dealers expressed caution over the price. A representative from Spain estimated the cost at approximately €50,000 (CDN 78,000) and said he would need to review the exact figures before committing.
During the closing ceremony, Mornine robots carried flags representing participating dealers, but no sales commitments were confirmed at the event.
Source: Automotive News
