Xpeng's Humanoid Robot Ambitions: A 20-Year Vision

Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, is planning significant investments in humanoid robots, potentially reaching 100 billion yuan. CEO He Xiaopeng emphasized long-term commitment in this sector and aims for breakthroughs akin to competitors like Tesla. The focus is on enhancing industry efficiency through robotic innovation.

Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has ambitious plans to heavily invest in humanoid robots, possibly up to 100 billion yuan. The company's CEO, He Xiaopeng, shared this vision during the annual parliamentary session, emphasizing a long-term commitment to the sector, as reported by state media outlets on Monday.

He highlighted that Xpeng has been involved in the humanoid robot industry for five years already and plans to stay in the business for another two decades. This includes potentially significant funding increases beyond the initial investments of 50 billion to 100 billion yuan. The Guangzhou-based firm entered the humanoid robot market in 2020, debuting its humanoid Iron robot, a potential competitor to the Tesla Bot.

Xpeng isn't alone in this technological pursuit; numerous automakers are exploring humankind development, as indicated by Chinese policymakers. For instance, Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, is assembling a team to develop robots for industrial applications, showcasing a broader industry trend. These efforts aim to streamline and enhance efficiency in automotive manufacturing processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)