Jia Yueting Launches Four EAI Robots with Over 1200 Pre-Orders at $17,000 Starting Price

Jia Yueting’s “Robot Creation” Surges in Popularity: Robots Priced at $17,000 Generate 1,211 Orders

On February 5, Jia Yueting, founder of Faraday Future, once again captured the spotlight. This time, he introduced not a car, but four models of Embodied AI (EAI) robots at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Las Vegas. These models, including the Futurist, Master, Aegis, and an arm series, are available for sale starting at $17,000. Remarkably, the launch event was followed by the announcement of 1,211 paid pre-orders. A short video showcasing the robots’ capabilities, including impressive maneuvers, was shared on social media, quickly making the topic a trending subject online.

Jia’s venture into robotics appears to be more credible than his automotive pursuits. However, given the tumultuous history of the FF91, one must question how much trust can be placed in these new robots.

Four Models Released at Once

If Jia can ensure timely delivery and establish a stable revenue stream, he might indeed accomplish his goal of making Faraday Future the first company in the U.S. to deliver humanoid robots with positive gross margins. The four robot series cover humanoid and quadrupedal forms, with prices ranging from $2,499 to $34,990, each targeting different markets.

The full-sized humanoid robot, the Futurist series, is marketed as a “professional-grade embodied intelligent humanoid robot,” starting at $34,990 (approximately ¥242,000). An optional eco-skill package is also available for an additional $5,000. Designed for complex professional environments, this robot features bio-inspired joints and advanced adaptability. It is powered by the NVIDIA Orin platform, boasting 200 TOPS of computing power, multiple high-definition cameras, and various sensors, enabling it to comprehend complex environments and evolve with varying tasks and industry needs.

The Master series focuses on “kinetic performance,” offering 30 degrees of freedom (not including hands) and the ability to install dexterous hands, achieving motion precision within 5 millimeters. Starting at $19,990 (around ¥140,000), this series is designed for high-interaction scenarios and includes over 20 pre-set movements.

Meanwhile, the Aegis series is the most affordable option, priced from $2,499 (approximately ¥17,000). This robot resembles a mechanical dog, featuring a four-legged design with an optional four-wheeled version. It can be equipped with various attachments for tasks like environmental monitoring and home care. Jia has also mentioned a premium “GOAT version” for each model, with prices and specifications to be announced later. Compared to international robotic companies that often charge millions for similar products, Jia’s offerings are significantly more accessible.

Jia emphasizes his goal to drastically reduce end-user prices, aiming to lower the overall industry price barrier and shift the focus toward functional skills and services, thereby accelerating the practical application of EAI robots.

Jia’s Need for a New Narrative

However, merely launching products is not Jia’s style; he also needs a compelling narrative. Each major launch event often introduces a new ecological strategy, showcasing his traditional flair for storytelling. He stated that the three product lines, their competitive pricing, and a comprehensive ecosystem strategy would significantly advance the EAI robot industry.

During the event, Jia outlined a framework he calls “633 industry applications and practical value,” indicating six leading technologies, three family service scenarios, and three industrial service scenarios, all structured under the “5X4 Technology Architecture.” This architecture encompasses four systems: body framework, power and energy, intelligent interaction, and motion control, alongside five platforms: skill open platform, brain platform, hardware platform, mechanical platform, and cloud training platform.

Jia also mentioned a new trend in the EAI robot industry focused on generalization, professionalization, data assetization, and ecological protocolization. He recalled how, 12 years ago, he introduced the “four transformations” in the automotive industry, which now applies to the robotics sector.

Furthermore, Jia announced the launch of the FF EAI Brain Open Source Developer 1.0 platform, inviting global robot OEMs, developers, and skill teams to participate. This initiative aims to create a universal “brain” and skill ecosystem for various robot forms through open-source code and standardization.

His “trinity” ecosystem strategy integrates terminal products, open-source platforms, and data factories. This model aims to generate substantial data through large-scale deliveries, enhancing the AI brain’s capabilities and driving product effectiveness for wider sales.

In addition to this, Faraday Future introduced a new business model called “FF Par,” designed to shift from a one-time vehicle sale to an ongoing revenue model through user operations and ecosystem management. This model allows dealers to become OEM shareholders, sharing in the company’s growth.

This recent launch demonstrates that Jia remains a master storyteller. The concepts of AI and robotics, currently trending topics, serve as a new narrative to attract capital. Not long before unveiling the robots, Jia announced a $10 million investment from AIxC, providing crucial funding for his business plans.

Despite past challenges with his ventures, Jia’s new story surrounding humanoid robots may captivate investors once again. Will capital be willing to invest in this new direction?