A design patent published in China on Oct. 9 has offered a first public look at BYD’s humanoid robot, while the company’s formal presentation of the product remains outstanding. The filing, held by BYD, depicts a two-legged robot with two arms, articulated fingers and an oval head with a dark face. Light-colored panels cover parts of its body, and some mechanical components are visible around the waist and legs.
The patent describes an upright, human-proportioned design with joints at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. It identifies possible uses in service, education and industrial settings, and refers to abilities including walking, balancing and interaction. However, the filing concerns the robot’s appearance; it does not confirm its capabilities, development status, production plans or whether a finished product will look the same.
BYD had told China Securities Journal on July 28 that it intended to unveil a humanoid robot in August at Di Space, its technology exhibition and experience venue. No formal debut had taken place by Oct. 9. In June, executive vice president Stella Li said she hoped to eventually place two or three robots at each BYD dealership to introduce and demonstrate vehicles. She has also discussed selling robots through the company’s dealer network and developing an open platform for BYD’s own robots and products made with partners.