The landscape of car dealerships is undergoing significant transformation as AI humanoid robots, once primarily seen in manufacturing, are now appearing in showrooms. These robots welcome customers, detail vehicle features, and even serve coffee.
At the Shanghai Auto Show in 2025, the Chinese company Chery highlighted this trend by placing robots at the center of customer interactions.
Introducing Mornine
Chery, a top automobile manufacturer in China, has rolled out Mornine, a humanoid robot crafted for the dealership environment. More than just a virtual creation, Mornine is a physical robot capable of explaining car specifications, guiding showroom tours, handing out refreshments, and communicating in multiple languages. Currently, she operates as an “intelligent sales consultant” at a dealership in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with plans to distribute 220 units globally this year. Mornine combines sophisticated robotics with an approachable digital demeanor, aiming to engage younger, tech-savvy customers.
How Mornine Operates
Mornine benefits from Chery’s advancements in autonomous technology and artificial intelligence. She utilizes a multimodal sensing architecture to interpret gestures, recognize voice commands, and react to environmental signals. With dexterous hands, she can serve drinks and walk upright to show customers around. Thanks to Deepseek’s expansive language model, Mornine can comprehend natural language and provide tailored responses, making her interactions feel more genuine.
Future Applications
Chery envisions Mornine extending beyond car sales. Her adaptable design and advanced AI might see her working in shopping malls, cinemas, exhibitions, or even in homes and elder care settings one day. The company sees AI as a constant presence, moving towards a future where robots serve as everyday companions and helpers.
The Rationale Behind Robot Integration
Chery is betting that humanoid robots will become vital to the automotive industry. These technologies present innovative strategies for attracting customers, optimizing operations, and demonstrating technical prowess. With capabilities like real-time translation and the ability to navigate complex inquiries, robots like Mornine are set to transform car buying and brand interaction as we know it.
As we look toward this new horizon in retail and daily life, it raises the question: Would you be comfortable purchasing your next vehicle from a humanoid robot rather than a human salesperson? Let us know your thoughts.
