Xpeng aims for 2026 to launch three Robotaxi models along with a mass-produced humanoid robot named IRON.

      Credit: Xpeng

      On Wednesday in Guangzhou, China, Xpeng unveiled its autonomous driving plan for Robotaxi in 2026 and the next-generation humanoid robot IRON at an event titled Emergence. Both initiatives center around the idea of physical AI, demonstrating Xpeng’s newest advancements in autonomous driving and robotics, as well as its broader transition from traditional automotive manufacturing to intelligent mobility solutions. CEO He Xiaopeng stated that the physical AI era has commenced. Xpeng intends to concentrate on this domain and fast-track its progress towards becoming a global embodied intelligence company.

      Three self-designed Robotaxi models set for 2026 launch

      Xpeng announced its intention to introduce three self-developed, mass-produced Robotaxi models in 2026, with pilot operations expected in cities like Guangzhou. Designed for Level 4 autonomous driving, these vehicles will be outfitted with four Turing AI chips, providing 3,000 TOPS of computing power, which is the highest among mass-produced vehicles globally. The Robotaxi employs a pure vision solution that does not depend on lidar or high-definition maps, allowing it to navigate complex road conditions worldwide. For safety, the vehicle incorporates a dual-redundant hardware architecture, with two systems supporting each other to ensure quick switching if one fails. Additionally, the Robotaxi features an exterior display integrated into the sun visor for visual communication with pedestrians, fostering trust between humans and autonomous vehicles.

      AMap has become the first ecosystem partner for Xpeng Robotaxi. The two companies will collaborate to create a comprehensive service network, allowing users to book autonomous rides directly through the AMap platform. The launch of the Robotaxi signifies Xpeng’s evolution from being a “future mobility explorer” to an “explorer of physical AI mobility,” according to CEO He Xiaopeng.

      Next-generation humanoid robot IRON to be mass-produced by 2026

      The new humanoid robot IRON has attracted interest due to its biomimetic design. Standing at under 170 cm, it features a skeleton–muscle–skin structure with over 60 joints, enabling human-like movements such as standing, sitting, lying down, and walking. The IRON showcases an all-solid-state battery and integrates three Turing AI chips with a large physical-world model. Together, they create an advanced VLT+VLA+VLM intelligent system capable of complex tasks such as conversing, avoiding obstacles, and manipulating objects.

      Currently, IRON is undergoing practical training at Xpeng’s Guangzhou factory for P7 production, where it performs sorting, transport, and other operations. By the end of 2026, Xpeng aims to mass-produce IRON, initially focusing on factory automation and gradually expanding its application to household settings.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. She covers consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Reach out to her via email: [email protected].