BYD Enters Embodied AI Race with Secret Humanoid Robot Project
- tech360.tv
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
China electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is secretly developing humanoid robots under the project codename Yao-Shun-Yu. Executive Vice President Li Ke confirmed the initiative, which aims to expand the company presence into the field of embodied AI.
The project began in 2022 under the 15th Business Unit, which focuses on electronic integration and intelligence. Li said the effort leverages the company expertise in motors, batteries, electronics, precision manufacturing, and chips.
The firm plans to invest 100 billion RMB in AI and automotive intelligence initiatives. An autonomous driving team of more than 4,000 engineers will support these developments.
Li noted that Chinese robots often lack a brain, while those from the United States possess strong brains but weak limbs. BYD aims to produce robots that excel in both hardware and intelligence.
The company may adopt an open platform strategy that allows for the integration of third-party components and software. This approach reflects a technology fish pond corporate strategy, where the organisation prepares various technologies for deployment when market conditions are favourable.
BYD will likely serve as its own largest customer for the robots. Potential applications include deploying the machines as store greeters in its retail network and as labourers on factory floors.
This captive demand offers a revenue pathway that many robotics startups lack. The move places the manufacturer at the intersection of the automotive and robotics industries.
Other automakers are also competing in this space. Tesla has deployed 50 units of its Optimus Gen-3 robot at its Shanghai factory, while XPeng plans to mass produce its IRON humanoid by the end of 2026. Li Auto is also working on an internal project codenamed Nexus.
BYD is developing a humanoid robot under the codename Yao-Shun-Yu.
The project is part of a 100 billion RMB investment in AI and intelligence.
The company plans to use the robots internally for manufacturing and retail roles.
Source: PANDAILY
