Changan Auto becomes latest Chinese carmaker to join humanoid robot bandwagon

Chinese carmakers, which are increasingly deploying robots in factories, are now moving into humanoid robotics following US rival Tesla despite a warning from Beijing about a potential investment bubble.

State-owned Changan Automobile has become the latest entrant into the sector. The Shenzhen-listed company planned to invest 225 million yuan (US$31.8 million) for a 50 per cent stake in Changan Tianshu Intelligent Robotics Technology, according to an exchange filing on Friday.

The company announced last month at a car show in the southern mainland city of Guangzhou that it would release prototypes of self-developed humanoid robots starting next year. It also planned to unveil its first in-vehicle robot in the first quarter of next year.

Changan Automobile’s move underscores a broader trend by Chinese carmakers like BYD, Xpeng and Xiaomi turning to the emerging industry to support their main business.

Changan Tianshu is part of Changan Automobile’s strategic drive to capitalise on the robotics sector. The subsidiary would be “driven by intelligent humanoid robot technology” and aimed to “develop multiple sectors of the robotics industry”, the statement said, adding that it sought to “achieve two-way empowerment” between intelligent vehicles and robots.

Xpeng, one of China’s top three makers of premium electric vehicles, last month unveiled a new humanoid robot.