Xpeng Activates Production Lines for IRON Humanoid Robot

Xpeng says its humanoid robot production lines are operational and that an IRON robot autonomously walked off a line after being manufactured, according to a company press release. The company calls it a move from research prototyping to production manufacturing, and describes IRON as the world's first advanced general purpose humanoid robot to come off a production line.

The lines automate more than 80% of core processes and apply automotive grade quality systems to robot manufacturing, which Xpeng frames as the basis for scaled output and rapid capacity expansion. IRON has 76 degrees of freedom, including 21 in each hand, and carries three of the company's Turing AI chips providing up to 2,250 TOPS. Xpeng says the robot runs its Physical AI foundation model on board, letting it perform complex tasks without remote operation.

The timetable is specific. Mass production is due by the end of 2026, with first commercial deployments in Xpeng stores and campuses, followed by market launch and deliveries in China and overseas during 2027.

The manufacturing milestone arrives with money behind it. Xpeng says its robotics business raised more than $900 million at a post money valuation above $6.3 billion, through agreements announced on 24 August. The company is positioning robotics as a second growth line alongside its vehicle business and international expansion.