Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle maker, has reportedly assembled a team of around 20 experts to delve into the development of artificial intelligence-powered robot dogs. This new venture is being spearheaded by Xu Kang, a former algorithm specialist at the autonomous driving startup Momenta, according to local media reports. The company, known for its cutting-edge innovations in smart vehicles, is now cautiously exploring the robotics field. Compared to its EV expertise, Nio is taking a measured approach to this novel domain, emphasizing research and strategy.
Quadrupedal robot dogs have emerged as a promising area of AI robotics. Unlike bipedal robots, robot dogs offer greater stability, adaptability, and load-bearing capabilities, making them ideal for navigating complex terrains. Their compact design, combined with simple control systems, allows for smoother development and functionality. Industry experts believe that robot dogs will likely be the first AI robotic products to achieve large-scale deployment. Their potential applications span diverse fields, including power inspection, fire rescue, and even national defense. With a projected market value of hundreds of billions of RMB, this technology is poised for significant growth.
Embodied AI, which includes humanoid robots and quadrupedal robot dogs, is increasingly viewed as a critical frontier for artificial intelligence. While smart vehicles—often described as robots with limited scenarios—have made strides, embodied AI offers a broader spectrum of use cases, from industrial settings to household applications. An industry insider commented that smart driving still requires substantial development time and embodied AI, with its extensive application scenarios, presents even greater challenges but also immense opportunities.
Nio is not the only automotive company venturing into robotics. Tesla introduced its humanoid robot, Optimus, during AI Day 2022, showcasing its commitment to embodied AI. In China, Xpeng has been making waves with its robotic pony and humanoid robot, Iron. These advancements highlight the growing synergy between automotive technology and robotics. Xpeng Robotics, established after the acquisition of Dogotix, has already demonstrated the versatility of AI-powered robotics. Iron, unveiled in November 2024, has begun operations in Xpeng’s factories and is expected to extend its presence to sales stores, offices, and homes.
Nio’s entry into the robot dog market signals its intent to diversify and leverage its expertise in AI and autonomous systems. Although the development cost of robot dogs is comparatively lower than humanoid robots, the overall embodied AI industry remains in its infancy. Companies must navigate significant technical and market challenges to achieve scalability. Despite these hurdles, the success of end-to-end large AI models in smart driving has encouraged companies like Nio to explore embodied AI applications. This strategic pivot aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating robotics into everyday life.
Local competitors, including GAC Group and BYD, are also exploring AI robotics. GAC recently unveiled its third-generation embodied AI robot, GoMate, while BYD has established a dedicated team to develop humanoid robots and other embodied AI products. Li Auto, another major player, has declared its intent to eventually enter the humanoid robotics field, emphasizing its vision of leveraging AI to enhance family life.
Nio’s foray into robot dog development exemplifies the growing convergence of AI, robotics, and automotive technologies. As the industry continues to evolve, embodied AI promises to redefine innovation across multiple sectors. While the journey is fraught with challenges, the potential rewards make this an exciting era for AI-powered robotics.