Would you like a robotic arm with that? New Chinese EV revealed

By Sam Phillips

11 Jul 2022

A new car from a brand you may never have heard of is set to push EV boundaries - or, at least, so its makers claim.

Catchily called the Human Horizons HiPhi Z, it's an all-electric four-door grand tourer which - wait for it - features its very own robotic arm.

The Chinese firm’s new electric car is its second production model, following the HiPhi X SUV which went on sale last year.

The new grand tourer features a 120kWh battery pack that will allow the HiPhi Z to travel 438 miles between charges. Meanwhile, a jaunt from 0-62mph should only take 3.8 secs according to the car maker.

On the outside the angular and striking exterior is emphasised by a number of light features, including a wrap-around “Star-Ring ISD light curtain” consisting of 4066 individual LEDs.

The HiPhi’s doors are fitted with an interactive system meaning they can detect people, keys and other vehicles, while active grille shutters connect with the rear spoiler and wind to automatically reduce vehicle drag and improve performance.

Human Horizons has promised a “spaceship-like” cabin which features the firm’s HiPhi Bot, an artificial intelligence (AI) robot that can automatically adjust the driver and passenger experience.

What's more - and this is the bit you've likely been waiting to read - the interior can also be equipped with an innovative high-speed robotic arm. It has four degrees of freedom, can move in eight different directions, and has a control accuracy of up to 0.001mm. Human Horizons says it works with the AI system to predict - and implement - your every need before you even know it. All we know is that we want to see it in action!

More tech has been added in the form of an advanced driver assistance system called HiPhi Pilot. Using 34 sensors and lidar technology the car is capable of scanning the surrounding area and then adjusting the brakes, steering and speed.