The Chinese automotive company Xpeng, known for its electric vehicles, is taking its next big step by beginning mass production of humanoid robots. Xpeng’s founder, He Xiaopeng, presented the seventh generation of humanoid robots called “Iron,” with production expected to begin by the end of next year.

This decision reflects the company’s strategy, which, according to He, could eventually reduce the production cost of a robot to the level of a standard electric car. Elon Musk has praised the activity of Chinese competitors, predicting their leadership in the future humanoid robotics market alongside Tesla.

He Xiaopeng expects that by the end of 2026, Iron robots will be widely used in Xpeng offices and industrial facilities, and that by the end of the decade the company could sell up to 1 million such devices.

According to JPMorgan analysts, robotics, robotaxis, autopilot technology, and artificial intelligence will form the core of Xpeng’s business growth. It is projected that by 2027 the humanoid robot business alone will increase the company’s market capitalization by $24 billion.

Xpeng is not the only Chinese automaker developing this sector:

• Chery is collaborating with Aimoga to create the Mornine robot family.

• Nio is currently focused on robot dogs but plans to move toward humanoid models.

• BYD, GAC, and Seres are also increasing their attention to consumer robotics.

According to Accenture, more than 2 million autonomously operated robots are currently in use in China, demonstrating a significant transformation of the workforce. Chinese developers hold an advantage thanks to a broad and affordable component base, intensifying competition with the United States in this market.

ORIENT