Two big stories in one video. China's biggest carmaker has stepped into the robot race. And reports say Apple is about to enter the smart home in a much bigger way.
BYD Built a Humanoid Robot: Meet Xiao Di
BYD has unveiled the design of its first self-developed humanoid robot. Its "Embodied AI Robot" design patent was published by China's patent office on 9 October 2026. The robot was previously teased under the name "Xiao Di".
Xiao Di stands 1.61 metres tall and weighs 58.5 kilograms. Its body has 31 degrees of freedom. That means it can move and balance in a very human-like way. Its dexterous hand can repeat movements with an accuracy of about one millimetre.
According to the patent details, the robot can grasp objects, respond to gestures, and give pointing-based explanations. BYD is aiming it at service, education and industrial settings. It could guide customers in a shop. It could help in a classroom or a factory.
One honest note. This is a design and patent reveal. It is not a finished product you can buy today. But it shows how seriously China's biggest EV maker is taking humanoid robots. And it shows how fast the global robot race is heating up.
Apple's First Smart Home Hub: What the Reports Say
Apple is reportedly about to enter the smart home in a much bigger way. Reports say the company will unveil an all-new smart home hub on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at its "Welcome home" event in New York. This is based on reporting, not an official Apple announcement.
The hub is expected to have a square display of about six inches. It is said to be powered by an A18 chip or newer for Apple Intelligence. It is said to run a brand-new system, reportedly called "homeOS", with Siri's AI at the centre of the experience.
According to the reports, the device would control smart home accessories and home security. It would also handle FaceTime calls, photos, calendars and music for the whole family. Its interface is even said to adjust itself as you walk closer to it or step away.
Two versions are expected. One is a tabletop model with a speaker base. The other is a wall-mounted version. Reports also suggest there will be no App Store at launch. Until Apple confirms the details itself, all of this should be treated as well-sourced reporting, not fact.
Watch the video: BYD Built a Humanoid Robot! + Apple's First Home Hub — What Reports Say on YouTube. This article is the full written version of the video, in simple English. See all articles on the Blogs page and more videos on the Science & Tech page.