Chinese Firm Reveals Smooth-Moving Humanoid Robot, Debunking Human Operator Claims

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has introduced a groundbreaking humanoid robot named IRON. This innovation features lifelike movements, prompting the company’s representatives to demonstrate its authenticity by opening it onstage. The demonstration confirmed that no human operator was concealed within.

Innovative Features of the IRON Robot

IRON is designed with a flexible, human-like spine and articulated joints, allowing it to move gracefully. This smooth motion is enabled by Xpeng’s proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) architecture, which processes visual data and generates physical responses without needing to convert information into language first.

Technical Specifications

During its unveiling at AI Day in Guangzhou on November 5, Xpeng’s chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, highlighted several key features:

• 82 degrees of freedom, including 22 in each hand
• Three custom AI chips offering a combined computing power of 2,250 trillion operations per second (TOPS)
• Innovative “born from within” design, mimicking human structure
• Internal endoskeleton and bionic muscle capabilities for customizable body types

All-Solid-State Battery Technology

IRON is notable for being the first humanoid robot to utilize an all-solid-state battery. This technology replaces volatile liquids typically found in lithium-ion batteries with safer ceramic or polymer materials. This feature enhances safety, particularly in confined spaces where the robot will operate.

Future Applications and Market Readiness

Xpeng plans to mass-produce the IRON robot, though it will initially focus on commercial applications rather than household tasks. The company believes that operating in unpredictable home environments poses safety risks. The first units are expected to be available in Xpeng locations by 2026.

A Broader Vision for Physical AI

The launch of IRON is part of Xpeng’s broader strategy to integrate robotics, autonomous vehicles, and AI under a cohesive platform. Earlier this year, the company previewed a prototype flying car that operates from a mobile base similar to a Cybertruck.

Humanoid robotics is gaining momentum, highlighted by the recent debut of the Unitree H2 model, which features advanced mobility. With Xpeng’s IRON leading the charge, the race toward advanced humanoid robotics is set to intensify.