China's 'Tesla imitators' have a new mission: build affordable humanoid robots for consumers
· Source: scmp.com
In short
Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturers, from BYD to Stellantis-backed Leapmotor, are increasingly venturing into humanoid robotics, drawing comparisons to Tesla's accelerating commercialisation of its Optimus robot. Nio CEO William Li frames robotics as a natural extension of carmaking, highlighting shared perception, decision-making and control systems as well as supply chain synergies in components such as cameras, radar and software. The movement, typical of more than 10 Chinese intelligent-vehicle makers, reflects the rapid growth of physical AI and the pursuit of affordable humanoid robots for consumers.
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In the issue of week 37, 2026: JD.com’s Physical AI and Integrated Platforms Fuel Supply Chain Revolution
Tags: humanoid robots, physical AI, EV makers, consumer robots, supply chain, China