BYD, Tesla’s biggest EV competitor, revealed to the South China Morning Post that it will unveil functional humanoid robots in August at its designated showroom, Di Space, in an interactive exhibit where attendees can engage with the robots. The company, which grew from battery manufacturing into one of the world’s largest electric vehicle and clean technology companies, produces key components such as batteries and semiconductors in-house. In June, BYD’s Stella Li confirmed a significant investment in AI. Li, BYD’s executive vice-president, also told the South China Morning Post that China would become the first market to “see full commercialisation of humanoid robots.” Factory automation is the first market for the robots, which could eventually perform tasks such as moving parts, assembling components, inspecting products, and handling materials. BYD could test the robots before selling them to others, potentially assisting factories, warehouses, hospitals, hotels, retail, construction, and eventually homes. Some believe this could become a trillion-dollar industry. China’s humanoid robotics industry has expanded rapidly, with five Chinese companies ranking in the top 5 worldwide. BYD implied in its statement that it is past the concept stage.