Faraday Future shifts focus from luxury EVs to AI-driven humanoid robots

Faraday Future, founded in 2014 with backing from a Chinese billionaire, failed to achieve mass-market traction with its $300,000 FF 91 luxury EV, selling just 16 units between 2023 and 2025 and seeing its stock fall below $2. In response, the firm is repurposing its EV expertise to launch a line of AI-enabled humanoid robots priced from $1,990 to $89,900, targeting roles in schools, homes, security and logistics. At its El Segundo headquarters, the robots demonstrated dancing routines to a Dua Lipa track, showcasing capabilities beyond novelty.

Chris Chen, co-chief executive of robotics, emphasizes a "holistic physical AI infrastructure" and a goal of delivering 2,000 units this year, with production slated for the company's Hanford factory using some Chinese-sourced parts. Analysts such as Sam Abuelsamid question the market viability, noting limited utility in education and domestic settings, while the company cites recent U.S. policy bans on Chinese robot imports as an opportunity for its "Built in USA" strategy.