A factory run by robots? Xpeng takes humanoid production to a new level

Robot Factory

Xpeng has unveiled what it calls the world’s first automated production line for advanced general-purpose humanoid robots. The striking twist is that robots themselves are being used to assemble robots, with more than 80% of the line’s core processes reportedly automated. (photos : Xpeng)

Walking Off

The production demo takes automation a step further: an IRON humanoid robot is shown completing assembly and then walking away from the production line on its own. Xpeng says the robot did not need a human to start it up, offering a glimpse of how factory floors could change.

Mass Production

Xpeng is not stopping at a flashy factory demonstration. The company plans to scale up the automated production line, with IRON robots scheduled to enter mass production by the end of 2026. Initial deployments are planned for Xpeng stores and campuses.

AI Muscle

IRON is designed as a general-purpose humanoid rather than a single-task machine. Xpeng says it has 76 degrees of freedom across its body, 21 in each hand and three in-house Turing AI chips capable of up to 2,250 TOPS of effective computing power.

Robot Race

China’s humanoid robot race is accelerating rapidly, with Xpeng competing alongside companies such as Unitree and AgiBot. The push is no longer just about making robots walk or perform tricks — companies are increasingly targeting autonomous, useful machines that can eventually handle repetitive or dangerous work.