XPENG begins humanoid robot production ahead of Philippine launch

• Contributed photo

XPENG has commissioned its humanoid robot production facility in China, rolling out the first next-generation XPENG IRON as the company moves its robotics ambitions from research and development toward commercial-scale manufacturing.

The first production-line-built IRON autonomously walked off the manufacturing floor in Guangzhou, marking what XPENG described as a transition from R&D prototyping to production.

According to the company, more than 80 percent of the facility’s core processes are automated.

XPENG said it is applying manufacturing systems and quality controls developed for its smart electric vehicle business to humanoid robots, with the production lines designed to support precision manufacturing and future capacity expansion.

“The robot production lines were created from scratch with no precedent to follow. Today’s step is small, but XPENG is building the production lines for an entirely new product category. Looking ahead, XPENG will continue to explore faster production rhythms and greater scale in robot manufacturing, charting a new path toward a leading robot manufacturing industry in China and globally,” XPENG Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng said.

Building IRON for the physical world

The next-generation IRON forms part of XPENG’s broader Physical AI strategy, which seeks to bring artificial intelligence beyond software and into machines capable of interacting with the physical environment.

The humanoid robot has 76 degrees of freedom across its body and 21 degrees of freedom in each hand, giving it the dexterity and mobility needed for a range of potential tasks.

IRON is also equipped with three proprietary AI Turing chips delivering up to 2,250 TOPS of computing power. XPENG said the hardware allows its Physical AI foundation model to operate directly on the robot, enabling autonomous execution of complex tasks without remote operation while reducing latency and keeping more data processing on the device.

The robot also uses a fully enclosed flexible lattice structure designed to balance safety with a more human-like form and movement.

“We aim to build a new type of robot with full generalization capabilities that can truly become part of everyday life, create a better life for people, and ultimately become a companion in their lives,” He said.

XPENG plans to begin mass production of its robots by the end of 2026, with initial commercial deployments planned for its stores and campuses. The company expects the official market introduction and deliveries in China and overseas markets to begin in 2027.
Philippines next on XPENG’s expansion

The production milestone comes just weeks before XPENG’s scheduled Philippine launch on Sept. 25, when the Chinese technology and electric vehicle company will formally introduce its Physical AI vision to the local market.

The event will also mark the Philippine debut of the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.
The X9 is a seven-seater vehicle equipped with XPENG’s Intelligent XOS Cockpit, XPILOT ASSIST driver-assistance technology, active rear-wheel steering, and an intelligent dual-chamber air suspension system.

The L03, meanwhile, is an AI SUV coupé that combines connected technologies with everyday mobility features.

Local pricing, variants, warranties, availability, and delivery schedules for the vehicles are expected to be announced during the Sept. 25 launch.

XPENG is developing intelligent vehicles, robotics, and globalization as three complementary growth areas, with the company betting that technology developed across its automotive business can also help accelerate humanoid robot commercialization.

The company’s robotics business recently raised more than US$900 million from multiple investors through share purchase agreements signed on Aug. 24. XPENG said the funding round valued the business at more than US$6.3 billion after the investment.

As it works toward mass production, XPENG expects robotics to eventually become another major growth engine alongside its electric vehicle operations.

By developing a common Physical AI foundation across intelligent vehicles and humanoid robots, XPENG is seeking to build an ecosystem in which AI does not simply process information on screens but increasingly operates machines in the physical world.