Xpeng Launches Robotaxis and Humanoid Robots with AI Chips

Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has made significant advances in the robotics sector by unveiling plans for robotaxis and humanoid robots powered by self-developed AI chips during its recent AI Day held in Guangzhou. The company announced it will launch three robotaxi models next year, utilizing its Turing AI chips, which Xpeng claims deliver the highest in-car computing power globally at 3,000 TOPS. This leap in technology positions Xpeng as a notable competitor to Tesla in the autonomous vehicle market. According to CNBC, the vehicles will incorporate a vision-language-action model that processes visual inputs for applications like driverless cars and robotics. Xpeng's co-president Brian Gu mentioned that the technology is advancing faster than anticipated, reflecting a change in the company's outlook on the robotaxi business, which it previously deemed several years away from being viable. The focus will be on two categories of vehicles: commercial self-driving shared vehicles and fully autonomous personal cars for family use.

At the same event, Xpeng showcased its latest humanoid robot, the IRON, which is part of a longer-term initiative that started seven years ago. The new generation of the IRON robot features advanced bionic muscles and improved dexterity, boasting 22 additional degrees of freedom in its hands. Powered by three Turing AI chips, the IRON can perform tasks that require both physical dexterity and conversational abilities in real-time. Electrek reported that the humanoid robot will initially be employed in Xpeng's commercial operations, such as reception and sales at stores, with plans for mass production by the end of 2026. The company is taking a cautious approach, with Xiaopeng, the CEO, suggesting that practical applications in factories and homes are still years away, likely requiring further advancements in AI and robotics.

Moreover, Xpeng's AI Day highlighted their broader ambitions beyond traditional vehicles, introducing a new model for flying cars under the ARIDGE brand. The A868 eVTOL aircraft, designed for low-altitude travel, promises impressive specifications including a range of 500 kilometers and a cruising speed of 360 kilometers per hour. This new aircraft is expected to enter flight testing soon, with Xpeng planning to establish flying camps across China for tourism by 2026. As Xpeng's humanoid and robotic initiatives develop, the company aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered solutions, enhancing its identity as more than just an electric vehicle manufacturer.

Xpeng's strategic direction contrasts with Tesla's approach, as reported by Electrek, where Xpeng prefers to wait until its technology is ready before discussing commercialization timelines. This has led to a more cautious but potentially more realistic outlook compared to competitors who often announce aggressive timelines. Xpeng's partnership with Volkswagen to license its new autonomous driving technology further illustrates its ambition to establish itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of robotics and autonomous vehicles. As the company moves forward, it remains to be seen how its innovations in robotaxis and humanoid robots will influence both the automotive and robotics industries.