diff --git a/addons/activeblue_ai/__init__.py b/addons/activeblue_ai/__init__.py
index 76a74f9..83cffb9 100644
--- a/addons/activeblue_ai/__init__.py
+++ b/addons/activeblue_ai/__init__.py
@@ -1 +1,23 @@
 from . import models, controllers
+import logging
+
+_logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+
+def _create_ai_bot_partner(env):
+    """Create the ActiveBlue AI bot partner via ORM so all field defaults are applied."""
+    XID = 'activeblue_ai.partner_activeblue_ai'
+    if not env.ref(XID, raise_if_not_found=False):
+        partner = env['res.partner'].create({
+            'name': 'ActiveBlue AI',
+            'active': True,
+            'partner_share': False,
+        })
+        env['ir.model.data'].create({
+            'module': 'activeblue_ai',
+            'name': 'partner_activeblue_ai',
+            'model': 'res.partner',
+            'res_id': partner.id,
+            'noupdate': True,
+        })
+        _logger.info('Created ActiveBlue AI bot partner id=%d', partner.id)
diff --git a/addons/activeblue_ai/__manifest__.py b/addons/activeblue_ai/__manifest__.py
index 4451deb..54ef607 100644
--- a/addons/activeblue_ai/__manifest__.py
+++ b/addons/activeblue_ai/__manifest__.py
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ CRM, sales, project management, eLearning, expenses, and HR.
     'data': [
         'security/res_groups.xml',
         'security/ir.model.access.csv',
-        'data/res_partner_bot.xml',
         'data/ir_cron.xml',
         'views/ab_ai_bot_views.xml',
         'views/ab_ai_directive_views.xml',
@@ -35,4 +34,5 @@ CRM, sales, project management, eLearning, expenses, and HR.
     'installable': True,
     'application': True,
     'auto_install': False,
+    'post_init_hook': '_create_ai_bot_partner',
 }