Chery robot Territory

KEEN to show that its tech savvy extends beyond just cars, Chery has introduced the world to a new bipedal robot driven by artificial intelligence. Designed in collaboration with tech company Aimoga, Mornine, as it is called, has a highly biomimetic design that mimics the shape and movement of a human.

Mornine will feature a human-like face made from lifelike silicone that can move and mimic human oral and facial muscles. This, combined with its in-built Large Language Model (LLM), means that the robot will be able to answer questions, respond to instructions and assist people in a natural and human-like way. The robot could also act as a guide, receptionist, or salesperson, and later versions will be able to perform the role of a caregiver, nurse, or domestic assistant.

THE new Ford Territory has landed in South Africa and it’s ready to do battle with midsize SUV contenders like the Toyota Rav4 and Hyundai Tucson. Unlike its larger Aussie-built predecessor from the early 2000s, the new Territory is built in China through a joint venture with JAC, and it will also have to compete with the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro on local shores.

The Territory is available in three front-wheel drive versions, Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, priced between R576 000 and R707 000. All are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 138kW and 318Nm. It pairs up with a seven-speed dualclutch automated gearbox and driver can flick between four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Mountain.

“The Territory is a modern, spacious and very well-equipped fiveseater SUV, regardless of which trim level customers opt for,” says Ford SA’s marketing manager Doreen Mashinini. It is sold with a four-year or 120 000km warranty, and service plans are optional.