Li Auto Hires World Model Expert Liu Yu to Lead Embodied AI Department

Li Auto has reportedly brought in a senior world model expert, identified as Liu Yu, to head its newly established Embodied Behavior Department. The appointment was confirmed through multiple independent sources, with Liu tasked to lead research and development of robot foundation models. He will report directly to Zhan Kun, who heads the base model team.

The new recruit brings eight years of deep experience in autonomous driving, having previously worked at an internet giant's AI laboratory and a leading domestic automaker. Liu's expertise in world models is expected to strengthen Li Auto's efforts in embodied intelligence, particularly in developing robots that can understand and interact with physical environments.