Xpeng has unveiled the humanoid robot IRON, which stands out from its competitors not only for the fluidity of its movements, but also for its emphasis on human-like qualities.
A flexible “spinal” column and an impressive 82 degrees of freedom, 22 of them in each arm, make its movements so smooth and natural that viewers at the presentation suspected a human was inside. The developers had to disassemble part of the robot on stage to prove otherwise.
Beneath the synthetic “skin” are bionic muscles and a customizable endoskeleton. This is not only for realism, but also for tactile and emotional perception: IRON really feels like a warm, almost living being.
IRON is the world’s first humanoid with a solid-state battery — safer and more reliable than traditional batteries, and better suited to mass use. IRON’s brain consists of three powerful chips with a combined computing power of 2,250 TOPS. This performance allows it to process visual signals, commands, sensor data and complex mechanics almost instantly.
Commercial production of IRON will begin in 2026. Buyers will be able to choose body type, gender, appearance and clothing. IRON is part of Xpeng’s ambitious strategy for physical AI — a concept that brings together robots, flying cars and intelligent systems on a single technological base.
