BYD is expanding its work in embodied artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its first self-developed humanoid robot design. The development follows the publication of an “Embodied AI Robot” design patent by the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 9, 2026.
The patent describes an intelligent robot designed to walk, maintain balance and interact with its surroundings. Its potential applications include service, education and industrial environments.
The robot features a sleek, human-like design with a black-and-white colour scheme. It has a rounded, arc-shaped head without a display screen, while its torso, arms and legs feature multiple joints to support movement.
The design closely resembles “Xiao Di” (little D), a humanoid robot previously teased by BYD. However, the company has not confirmed whether the patented design represents the final production model of Xiao Di.
Previously disclosed details indicate that Xiao Di stands 1.61 metres tall and weighs 58.5 kg. The robot features 31 degrees of freedom and a dexterous hand with a repetitive positioning accuracy of ±1 mm. These capabilities are designed to support tasks such as grasping objects, interacting through gestures and providing explanations by pointing at specific items.
BYD’s move into embodied AI forms part of a long-term strategy that began in 2022, when the company established a dedicated research team. The company aims to use its industrial scale to customise robot hardware and systems while improving perception, decision-making and task execution.
Beyond its internal research and development efforts, BYD has also expanded its involvement in the robotics sector through investments and industrial collaborations.
In August 2023, BYD invested in Agibot, followed by an investment in Percibot in April 2025. The company has also used its factories to test humanoid robots. At its Changsha plant, Ubtech’s Walker S1 industrial humanoid robot has been deployed for material-handling and identification tasks.
BYD executives have previously indicated plans to introduce humanoid robots across the company’s dealership network. These robots could perform standardised activities, including welcoming customers, explaining vehicle features and demonstrating in-car infotainment systems.
The latest design disclosure highlights BYD’s ongoing efforts to explore practical applications for humanoid robots across industrial and customer-facing environments. However, the final production design and deployment plans for Xiao Di remain unconfirmed.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.