Would You Purchase a Vehicle from a Humanoid Robot Sales Representative? | Carscoops

      Unlike Boston Dynamics' robots, Chery's Mornine features long fake hair, breasts, and appears to have undergone some questionable cosmetic enhancements.

      Chery is encouraging dealers to utilize $60,000 humanoid robots for selling new cars.

      The Chinese brand presented its Mornine robot at the Shanghai Auto Show.

      Mornine is capable of serving drinks and responding to inquiries about car specifications.

      If you've ever stepped into a dealership and felt like the salesperson was just a robot programmed to extract money from you, you'd be accurate. Now, the Chinese car manufacturer Chery aims to elevate this concept by introducing actual robots into showrooms to facilitate car sales.

      At last month's Shanghai Auto Show and a significant dealer event, Chery revealed Mornine, a humanoid robot reminiscent of a Stormtrooper. Its long hair, unnecessary breasts, and oddly shaped rear suggest that it was designed by a team of men.

      The automaker believes that Mornine can walk (not very well), speak, and possesses human-like hands equipped with DeepSeek AI technology to serve drinks and answer customer queries regarding vehicle features and technical details, as reported by Auto News.

      One dealer mentioned to AN’s reporter that the robots might cost around €50,000 ($57,000) each, but he hesitated to commit to purchasing one of the 220 units that Chery plans to deliver to dealers this year without knowing the final cost. However, one robot is already operational in a showroom in Malaysia, as revealed by Chery.

      Chery’s Broader Robot Ambitions

      Chinese consumers, particularly the younger demographic, are enthusiastic about technology, and Chery believes that having Mornine in a dealership could boost showroom visits. Yet, this is merely a small aspect of Chery's larger strategy to expand its Aimoga robotics business significantly, potentially diminishing its automotive production to a lesser priority. The company has also developed a robotic dog for those unable to own a real pet, or for those who might be tired of cleaning up after one.

      Zhang Guibing, President of Chery International, views Aimoga as more than just a vehicle accessory, considering it to be “the real future” for the company. And why wouldn't he think that? Robots don’t require benefits, rarely take sick days, and could potentially replace entire sectors if things go well.

      Robots Are Ubiquitous and Here to Stay

      Many companies are investing in robotics, including Tesla and Hyundai, which acquired Boston Dynamics in 2021 and plans to introduce its agile humanoids into a U.S. factory this year. Mercedes also has robots working at its Berlin facility, and although the initiative is still in trial, it’s easy to envision a future where automotive factories are staffed predominantly by two-legged machines that don't need breaks or holidays and won’t strike for better pay.

      Thus, while we may be several years away from having personal robot assistants, the time isn’t distant when robots might be involved in everything from car assembly to addressing questions in showrooms. Is it excessive? Likely. But in this AI era, is anything truly surprising anymore?