
Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG has unveiled its first humanoid robot, Iron, at its AI Technology Day event. The 5’8″ tall, 154-pound robot is powered by XPENG’s proprietary Turing AI chip and features an end-to-end large AI model integrated with its Eagle Vision system. This allows Iron to walk autonomously, simulate human postures, and perform manual tasks using its articulated limbs.
Iron is currently working on production lines assembling XPENG’s upcoming P7+ electric vehicle, marking the company’s commitment to pushing beyond the auto industry into humanoid robotics. XPENG plans to expand Iron’s role beyond the factory floor, aiming to deploy it in retail environments, offices, and even homes in the near future.
The move is part of XPENG’s broader AI-driven ambitions, which include expanding its product line to include more AI-driven and electric solutions. The company has been expanding its product line to include new vehicle platforms, extended-range systems, and even robotaxi models planned for 2026.
XPENG’s competitor, Tesla, has entered the humanoid robotics market with its Optimus robot. However, China’s rapid growth in AI and robotics should not be underestimated. The country boasts a strong manufacturing infrastructure and substantial government investment in advanced robotics research and development, giving companies like XPENG significant advantages in scaling production and driving innovation within the sector.