It looks like Chinese companies aren’t taking Tesla’s Optimus or Boston Dynamics’ revamped Atlas humanoid robots lying down. Chery, makers of motor vehicles for the Chinese (and other) markets, has unveiled a new bipedal ‘bot it calls Mornine.
The robot was revealed at the company’s CEO Conference and combines two of 2024’s most exciting technologies. Robotics, obviously, but also AI. That’s correct, the new robot will feature an integrated Large Language Model (LLM).
Something to be Chery about?
Mornine, pictured in the image above, certainly sticks to the “biomimetic” design creators Chery and partners Aimoga are boasting about. The robot might even be described as a little… thicc. But still images don’t show any anything about how the robot moves or interacts. This is one instance when a shiny coat of paint isn’t an adequate substitute for tech that works.
There is some footage out there of the robot in action. The results are perhaps less impressive than Chery would like but also about what the company is expecting. The robot, which features a silicon face in addition to its more prominent assets, will start its existence as a receptionist and general information-giver. The LLM will be doing all the heavy lifting, in other words.
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Later iterations of the robot will see Mornine acting as a guide, walking with customers or visitors in order to direct them. Finally, the robot will progress to where Boston Dynamics’ Atlas is now — being able to move, lift, and act in a much more human role.
If, that is, everything goes according to plan but the company doesn’t lack ambition. Chery South Africa’s Tony Liu said, “In time, we see a potential market for Chery Humanoid Robots to help customers with menial tasks and even assist those with physical challenges to enjoy a full and rewarding life.”
