Imagine walking into a modern car showroom and being greeted by a lifelike humanoid robot, complete with realistic facial features and expressions. The robot welcomes you by name, introduces you to the latest models, explains specifications in detail, and might even invite you to a virtual test drive or offer you a cup of coffee. This scene is no longer science fiction-it’s now a reality in some showrooms around the world, as robots like “Mornine” and “AiMOGA” enter the car sales arena.
Why Are Car Companies Turning to Humanoid Robots?
The automotive industry has witnessed a major shift in sales and marketing methods, driven by advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. Companies such as Chery have introduced humanoid robots capable of performing sales tasks: explaining features, guiding showroom tours, interacting with customers in multiple languages, and even serving refreshments. These robots are designed to engage the new generation of customers and provide an interactive experience that goes beyond traditional sales.
The main goal of this technology is to enhance the customer experience, reduce human error, and lower labor costs in the long run. Robots don’t get tired, don’t request time off, aren’t affected by mood, and can work long hours with consistent efficiency. They can also collect and analyze customer data, personalizing offers based on each client’s preferences.
How Do Humanoid Robots Work in Showrooms?
Robots like “Mornine” and “AiMOGA” rely on advanced sensor systems that combine audio, visual, and environmental data. They can read facial expressions, understand gestures, and respond to voice commands. Using artificial intelligence, they comprehend natural language and provide context-aware, personalized responses.
These robots can collaborate with each other-one may greet customers while another leads a tour or answers technical questions. They draw on vast databases to deliver accurate information about each model, financing options, and even service appointments.
Advantages of Humanoid Robots in Sales
Precise product knowledge: Robots never forget details and can explain even the most technical features.
Personalized experience: They can suggest the most suitable car or features for each customer based on their history and interests.
Consistency and reliability: They work long hours without fatigue or boredom.
Innovative presentations: Robots can offer virtual and interactive demonstrations that human salespeople may not be able to provide.
Challenges and Doubts: Can We Trust a Robot Salesperson?
Despite their technical advantages, many customers remain hesitant to interact with a robot instead of a human. Some buyers prefer human interaction, especially for major purchases like cars, where trust and personal rapport are crucial. Robots, despite their sophistication, may still struggle to understand subtle emotions or handle complex situations that require human flexibility.
There are also privacy concerns, as robots collect and analyze customer data in great detail. Will customers feel comfortable knowing the robot is aware of their budget or purchase history before the conversation even begins? These questions present ethical and technical challenges for companies aiming to build trust.
Are Robots Capable of Negotiation?
Currently, robots stick to fixed pricing policies and do not engage in complex negotiations like human salespeople. However, technology companies are developing smart negotiation systems that may enable robots to negotiate with customers in the future, potentially changing the rules of car retail.
The Future of Sales: Integration or Replacement?
Industry experts believe humanoid robots won’t completely replace human salespeople, but will redefine their roles. Robots excel at providing information and answering questions quickly and accurately, while humans remain better at building relationships and understanding customers’ emotional motivations. In the near future, we may see hybrid showrooms where AI and human touch work side by side to deliver the best customer experience.
Buying a car from a humanoid robot is already a reality in some markets and could soon become common in the Arab world. The final decision will depend on how well customers accept this technology and how companies balance technological precision with human trust. In the fast-evolving automotive world, robots may become the ideal salespeople of tomorrow-but the human heart will always remain part of the buying equation.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
