Automotive giant Chery, through its subsidiary AiMoga, has officially entered the consumer robotics market. The company has opened its flagship store on JD.com, offering its full-sized humanoid robot, the Mornine M1, for online order.
Product Specifications and Capabilities
The Mornine M1 is positioned as a general-purpose “embodied intelligent” robot designed for versatile use cases. Key technical details include:
- Physical Build: The robot stands 167cm tall, weighs 70kg, and features 40 degrees of freedom (excluding the hands).
- Performance: It can reach a walking speed of 1 m/s and has an arm end load capacity of 1.5 kg.
- Power & Endurance: Equipped with a 0.7 kWh battery, the M1 offers two hours of operation on a two-hour charge.
- Sensory Hardware: To navigate and perceive its environment, the unit utilizes a sophisticated array including one 3D LiDAR, two depth cameras, one wide-angle camera, and four ultrasonic radars.
- Functionality: The M1 is capable of dual-hand collaborative tasks, autonomous car door opening, and VR remote operation. These features make it particularly suitable for sales, reception, and training environments.
Pricing and Availability:
– Mornine M1 (Humanoid): 285,800 yuan (~$41,400 USD), with stock expected after May 23, 2026.
– Argos X1 (Robotic Dog): 15,800 yuan (~$2,300 USD), available after May 8, 2026.
A Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy
AiMoga is not relying solely on e-commerce. The company is implementing a comprehensive “three-in-one” retail structure that includes specialty stores, traditional auto 4S stores, and shopping mall experience centers.
To make these high-tech products more accessible, AiMoga is lowering financial barriers through:
– Sales and leasing models.
– Installment payment plans.
– Financial backing via the Chery Huishin Financial System.
The Automotive Pivot Toward Robotics
The entry of Chery into this sector highlights a significant industrial trend: the convergence of automotive and robotics technology. Because both industries rely heavily on AI, sensors, battery technology, and precision manufacturing, automakers are uniquely positioned to lead the humanoid robot race.
Several major players are currently racing toward mass production:
– Xpeng: Aiming for mass production of its “Iron” humanoid robot by the end of 2026, with a target capacity of over 1,000 units per month.
– GAC: Working on its “GoMate” third-generation robot, with plans for small-batch production of complete units in 2026.
This shift suggests that the “intelligence” once reserved for autonomous driving is now being transferred into physical, humanoid forms capable of interacting with the human world.
Market Outlook: 2026 as a Turning Point
According to research from TrendForce, the second half of 2026 will be a critical period for the commercialization of humanoid robots.
The Chinese market, in particular, is poised for massive expansion. Production in China’s humanoid robot sector is estimated to grow by 94% year-on-year in 2026. While many companies are entering the fray, firms like Unitree Robotics and Zhiyuan Robotics are currently leading the pack, projected to capture nearly 80% of the combined market shipments.
Conclusion: Chery’s launch of the M1 marks a decisive move by the automotive industry to capitalize on the overlap between vehicle intelligence and robotics, signaling a broader shift toward the mass-market commercialization of humanoid machines by 2026.
