XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng Takes Helm of Robotics Unit; IRON Humanoid Robot Set for Mass Production by End of 2026

On June 10, He Xiaopeng, founder of XPeng Group, announced that effective immediately, in addition to serving as CEO of the group, he would also assume leadership of the company’s robotics business. He stated that this move comes as XPeng Robotics approaches mass production and commercialization, marking a critical step in the group’s strategic transformation from a “smart EV company” to a “physical AI company.” XPeng Group will leverage its automotive supply chain and manufacturing capabilities to significantly increase investment in robotics and accelerate customer deliveries of its IRON humanoid robot. The IRON humanoid robot made its debut on November 5, 2025, at XPeng Tech Day, drawing attention with its distinctive “catwalk” gait. In response to public skepticism, He Xiaopeng subsequently released a video revealing the robot’s internal structure. According to disclosures, IRON is scheduled for mass production by the end of 2026. Construction of its mass-production facility began in Q1 2025, with plans to enhance the robot’s motion and control capabilities in the second half of the year. By year-end, monthly production capacity is expected to exceed 1,000 units, with initial deployments prioritized in XPeng stores and campuses. Globally, more than 20 major automakers have entered the humanoid robotics space. Tesla’s Optimus project is advancing rapidly, with Elon Musk stating that Optimus Gen 3 could enter production as early as summer 2025 and achieve large-scale mass production by 2027. Although Chinese automakers started later, they are progressing swiftly: over ten companies—including BYD, Chery, and Xiaomi—have already entered the field. BYD is advancing its “Yao Shun Yu” project, aiming to deploy 20,000 units internally by 2026 and achieve full-scale commercial rollout by 2028. Chery plans to unveil its “Mo Jia Wu You” humanoid robot in 2025 and complete global mass deliveries by 2026. Xiaomi’s robots are already undergoing trials in its car factories, and the company expects large numbers of robots to be deployed across its manufacturing operations within the next five years. According to a Morgan Stanley research report, the humanoid robotics industry holds vast potential and could become the next trillion-dollar emerging market. Automakers’ strategic moves into this sector are seen as efforts to counter intensifying competition in the automotive industry, seek new growth drivers, and secure influence in future technological leadership.