On Wednesday in Guangzhou, China, Xpeng unveiled its 2026 Robotaxi autonomous driving plan and the next-generation IRON humanoid robot at an event themed Emergence. Both are built around the concept of physical AI, showcasing Xpeng’s latest efforts in autonomous driving and robotics, as well as its broader shift from traditional car manufacturing toward intelligent mobility solutions.
CEO He Xiaopeng said that the era of physical AI has arrived. Xpeng will focus on this field and accelerate its development into a global embodied intelligence company.
Three self-developed Robotaxi models planned for 2026 launch
Xpeng announced plans to roll out three self-developed, mass-produced Robotaxi models in 2026, with pilot operations slated for cities including Guangzhou. Designed for Level 4 autonomous driving, the vehicles will be equipped with four Turing AI chips, delivering 3,000 TOPS of computing power—the highest level among mass-produced vehicles globally.
Xpeng’s Robotaxi uses a pure vision solution that does not rely on lidar or high-definition maps and can adapt to complex road environments worldwide. For safety, the vehicle features a dual-redundant hardware architecture, where two systems back each other up to ensure rapid switching if one fails. The Robotaxi also debuts an exterior display integrated into the sun visor, for visual communication with pedestrians and to enhance trust between humans and autonomous vehicles.
AMap becomes Xpeng Robotaxi’s first ecosystem partner. Both companies will work together to build a comprehensive service network, and users can book autonomous rides directly through the AMap platform. The launch of the Robotaxi marks Xpeng’s shift from a “future mobility explorer” to an “explorer of physical AI mobility,” CEO He Xiaopeng said.
Next-generation humanoid robot IRON set for mass production by 2026
The next-generation humanoid robot IRON has drawn attention for its biomimetic design. Measuring under 170 cm, it features a skeleton–muscle–skin structure with more than 60 joints, enabling human-like movements such as standing, sitting, lying, and walking.
IRON debuts an all-solid-state battery and integrates three Turing AI chips with a physical-world large model. Together, they form an advanced VLT+VLA+VLM intelligent system capable of complex tasks including conversation, obstacle avoidance, and object manipulation.
Currently, IRON is participating in practical training at Xpeng’s Guangzhou factory for P7 production, where it handles sorting, transport, and other operations. By the end of 2026, Xpeng aims to mass-produce IRON, starting with factory automation and gradually extending its use to household applications.
