He Xiaopeng, CEO of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Inc. (NYSE:XPEV), has recently underscored the company’s overarching goal to be recognized not merely as an automaker but as a leader in "physical AI." Speaking at an event held in Guangzhou, China, on a recent Thursday, He elaborated on Xpeng's strategic vision to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into its products, spanning autonomous driving capabilities to robotics.
The CEO emphasized the significance of the company’s proprietary Turing AI chip, which underpins their AI-driven vehicle technologies. He indicated that this internally developed hardware is intended to provide a competitive edge as the automotive sector increasingly incorporates AI solutions into vehicles. This approach aligns with Xpeng’s broader desire to transition beyond the conventional role of an automaker that sells hardware at low margins. Rather, He views the company’s future identity as a global technology enterprise capable of delivering sophisticated AI products and services.
He also reaffirmed Xpeng's commitments to robotics and robotaxi development. The CEO announced that the firm’s humanoid robot, named IRON, is scheduled to commence production during the second half of the calendar year. This robot is designed for deployment in commercial environments, where it will perform functions such as tour guiding, retail assistance, and security patrol duties. These applications reflect the company’s intent to expand its technology offerings beyond vehicles to multifaceted AI-driven solutions.
Regarding autonomous vehicle ambitions, Xpeng plans to launch trials of its robotaxi service imminently. The company envisions deploying a fleet of robotaxis on urban roads, leveraging advanced AI perception and decision-making capabilities without dependence on high-definition maps or LiDAR sensors. During its Q3 investor meeting the previous November, Xpeng disclosed plans to release three distinct robotaxi models by 2026, signaling a phased rollout of its autonomous ride-hailing service.
Xpeng also detailed its technological approach, particularly highlighting the Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, an AI framework integrating visual perception, linguistic context, and action execution. Notably, the company intends to make this model open-source, suggesting potential for external collaborations and licensing opportunities. This development could contribute to expanding Xpeng’s footprint in AI software beyond its own products.
In support of robotaxi operations, Xpeng will utilize Alibaba Group Holding Limited’s (NYSE:BABA) Amap mapping platform, a significant partnership with a leading Chinese technology company. This collaboration will facilitate location-based services critical to autonomous ride-hailing, ensuring the necessary geospatial data integration for navigation and routing.
Xpeng’s initiatives in the autonomous vehicle and robotics sectors position it in direct competition with other industry frontrunners, including Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA). Tesla presently operates a ride-hailing service in multiple U.S. cities and is developing its Optimus humanoid robot project. Additionally, Xpeng’s advancements explore areas aligned with Nvidia Corp’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) Alpamayo self-driving technology, which also adopts an open-source VLA model framework. Such overlaps illustrate a competitive landscape where hardware, software, and AI capabilities define market positioning.
From a production perspective, Xpeng has expressed an ambitious target to manufacture one million units of the IRON humanoid robot annually by 2030. This goal underscores the company's dedication to scaling its physical AI technology not only in automotive applications but in broader commercial services requiring intelligent automation.
This strategic pivot reflects an industry-wide recognition that future mobility providers must transcend vehicle manufacturing. Instead, companies like Xpeng aim to develop integrated AI platforms combining hardware and software innovations to redefine mobility and service robotics in urban environments.
In conclusion, Xpeng's CEO He Xiaopeng has articulated a comprehensive vision focusing on AI-driven technology and robotics as key pillars of the company’s future growth. The imminent robotaxi trials, upcoming humanoid robot production, proprietary AI chip deployment, and open-source AI models collectively represent Xpeng’s effort to establish itself as a technology leader on the global stage.