BYD Patents Its Humanoid Design, Production Plans Remain Undisclosed

SHENZHEN, China -- BYD has secured a Chinese design patent for a humanoid robot, revealing the appearance of a machine the automaker has been developing while leaving its production and commercial plans unclear.

China’s National Intellectual Property Administration published the design patent (Chinese-language report) for an “embodied intelligent robot”, identifying BYD Co. Ltd. as the patent holder.

The filing shows a bipedal robot with two arms featuring movable fingers and an oval head, designed for service, education and industrial use.

BYD had previously indicated that a public debut was closer. In July BYD told China Securities Journal it planned to unveil a humanoid in August at its Di Space centers, and said the robots would interact with visitors rather than remain conceptual.

The company has nevertheless confirmed broader plans to venture into humanoid robotics. Executive Vice President Stella Li said in June that the company was developing humanoids and could eventually sell them through its dealerships. She has also discussed placing robots in stores to present vehicles and interact with customers.

The patent, approved Oct. 6 after an April application, is not a product launch. BYD hasn't provided a production date, price, ordering process, or delivery timeline.