Chery has decided that the future is not just about cars. The conglomerate’s subsidiary, AiMoga, has officially launched its first full-size anthropomorphic robot, the Mornine M1, onto the market.
Sales began on the JD.com platform in the brand’s official store. The Mornine M1 is priced at $41,400. For those who find a full-size humanoid unaffordable or simply unnecessary, the company offers a "younger brother" – the Argos X1 robodog for $2,300. Deliveries of the first orders are promised to start at the end of May 2026.
Hardware and sensors: how the Mornine M1 is built
Standing 167 cm tall, the Mornine M1 weighs 70 kg. The robot has 40 degrees of freedom (not counting hand mobility), allowing it to mimic human movements with high precision. However, don’t expect Olympic records from it: the maximum walking speed is only 1 m/s (about 3.6 km/h), and each arm can lift a load weighing up to 1.5 kg.
Autonomy is provided by a 14,600 mAh battery. It lasts for 2 hours, after which it will require another 2 hours to recharge. To ensure the Mornine M1 doesn’t crash into walls and can recognize its owner, it is equipped with sensors: there is one 3D lidar, two depth cameras, a wide-angle camera, and four ultrasonic radars.
Robotics is becoming part of the Chery ecosystem. Photo: Lanjinger
Why does the auto giant need anthropomorphic assistants
The Mornine M1 is positioned as a universal intelligent agent. It can independently open car doors, work with both hands, and even be remotely operated using a VR helmet. The main application areas now are sales, hotel receptions, and educational institutions. Chery plans to integrate robots into its showrooms and shopping centers, creating a unified customer service ecosystem.
Interestingly, Chery is not alone in its ambitions. For example, Xpeng is preparing to mass-produce its own robot, Iron, by the end of 2026, and GAC is testing the third generation of its GoMate robot.
According to TrendForce, the humanoid robot market in China will grow by 94% in 2026. Automakers are using their expertise in creating drives, batteries, and artificial intelligence systems to capture a new niche before it becomes oversaturated.
The AiMoga robot line in the online store. Photo: Chery
For Chery, it’s also a way to diversify its business. The company is building an offline distribution network for robots, offering not only direct sales but also leasing and installment plans through its financial system.
