XPeng Unveils Second-Generation Humanoid Robot IRON

XPeng has unveiled its second-generation humanoid robot, named IRON, during its AI Day event in Guangzhou. This robot is equipped with advanced features, including a flexible humanlike spine and articulated joints, allowing for lifelike movements.

Company representatives demonstrated its capabilities so convincingly that they even cut it open onstage to prove that no human was hidden inside, according to Live Science. He Xiaopeng, the chairman and CEO of XPeng Motors, emphasized the robot's design intent, stating it aims to be recognizably human, albeit slightly unsettling, suggesting that in the future, robots may become life partners and colleagues.

The robot boasts 82 degrees of freedom, with 22 in each hand, allowing it to perform complex gestures and movements. This impressive functionality is supported by three custom AI chips, delivering a total of 2,250 trillion operations per second, positioning IRON as one of the most powerful humanoid robots developed to date, surpassing the computing power found in high-end laptops, as reported by Euronews.

The robot's design is described as a 'born from within' concept, featuring an internal endoskeleton and bionic muscle structure that can adapt to various body types, from slim to stocky. Its outer layer includes synthetic skin designed to feel warmer and more intimate, enhancing human-robot interaction.

XPeng has also claimed that IRON is the first humanoid robot to operate on an all-solid-state battery, which is safer for use in enclosed environments compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This development forms part of XPeng's broader strategy to integrate robotics, autonomous vehicles, and AI under a unified platform.

The company plans to begin mass production of IRON by 2026, with initial deployments targeted for commercial environments such as stores, offices, and showrooms, rather than household chores due to safety concerns.

The introduction of IRON aligns with the growing trend of humanoid robots designed for collaboration in various sectors, highlighting XPeng's ambition to lead in the robotics arena amid fierce competition from other tech giants like Huawei, NIO, and Tesla.