Chinese language EV maker Xpeng continues to increase on its EVs and flying automobile applied sciences, however it additionally unveiled the brand new technology of its IRON humanoid robots at its AI Day in Guangzhou, China. Xpeng unveiled the eighth technology of its robotic initiative (and the third with a humanoid design), and it now plans to mass produce the most recent fashions by late 2026.
What instantly caught BGR’s consideration was Xpeng’s daring departure from the standard humanoid robotic design. As an alternative of following the extra historically male aesthetic seen in fashions from firms like Neura, Xpeng launched a curvier, extra female kind — arguably extra curves than a robotic wants.
José Adorno/BGR
The corporate additionally revealed that its new robotic options full-body artificial pores and skin meant to make it really feel “hotter and extra intimate.” Much like what 1X showcased with its curious Neo residence robotic, Xpeng’s robotic permits customers to customise its look by selecting its shade, despite the fact that Xpeng goes additional by providing totally different physique sorts (chubby, athletic, tall, or brief), hair types, and, sooner or later, even clothes. Nevertheless, not like different firms, Xpeng is not concentrating on every day chores or manufacturing facility jobs for its robots.
Tour guides and private assistants
In response to Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng, the corporate is not following the identical path as most different robotics producers. Whereas many are concentrating on industrial or home functions, Xpeng is wanting in a distinct route. Though the corporate acknowledges that humanoid robots are typically extra environment friendly (its earliest prototypes had been truly quadrupeds), it has discovered that robots aren’t significantly efficient in manufacturing facility settings or at dealing with repetitive duties.
This highlights a key tradeoff being made by rivals like 1X, which is asking prospects to pay $20,000 for its robotic whereas additionally granting the corporate full entry to their houses to coach future AI capabilities. In distinction, Xpeng thinks its robotic will succeed as a receptionist, tour information, or private procuring assistant.
Certainly, the seventh-generation of its robots, the primary IRON humanoid bot, was answerable for a part of BGR’s tour at Xpeng’s new headquarters in Guangzhou, China. The clunky bot walked across the venue, spoke in an ideal American accent about itself, and moved its arms. Xpeng needs to have the eighth-generation robots lead these excursions and likewise current its merchandise at its shops in China.
Smarter than you assume, however questions stay
Throughout Xpeng’s keynote tackle, the corporate’s CEO stated this robotic will comply with the three common robotic legal guidelines created by Isaac Asimov, along with a fourth legislation, which is that these robots cannot disclose their proprietor’s information. With 2250 TOPS computing energy, the robotic options Xpeng’s VLT, VLA, and VLM applied sciences — additionally current in its vehicles — to assist them stroll extra naturally and pay attention to theirs environment (although regardless of a corny video of the robotic dancing to “The Destiny of the Ophelia” by Taylor Swift, it nonetheless walks weirdly). One of many principal variations from the earlier technology is the brand new hand with 22 levels of freedom, making it able to holding small objects gently.
Whereas Xpeng’s tackle robots appears extra helpful than the half-baked guarantees from different firms, it nonetheless appears to be attempting to unravel an issue that does not exist. Costs for these robots have not been introduced but, nor the need of a feminine counterpart with so many customization choices. These are questions we anticipate to study the solutions to within the close to future, relying on how growth progresses.
