Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng Takes Direct Control of Robotics Unit Ahead of Humanoid Mass Production
Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng has assumed personal leadership of the company's robotics department, signaling a strategic pivot toward becoming a "physical AI" powerhouse. The move comes as the Chinese EV maker prepares for mass production of its flagship humanoid robot called Iron. The leadership change underscores Xpeng's diversification strategy beyond electric vehicles into robotics and AI.
Xpeng's CEO He Xiaopeng announced in an internal memo that he would personally head the company's robotics department, characterizing the unit as reaching "a turning point in its history" as it approaches mass production and commercialization. The leadership transition follows the recent departure of Shi Xiaoxin, the department's senior director for product planning, who left due to personal career adjustments. He disclosed that over the past year he has spent at least one full day per week engaged in robotics operations, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative. The company's flagship humanoid robot, Iron, is reportedly moving forward as planned toward commercialization. This move reflects Xpeng's broader ambition to transform from an EV manufacturer into a "physical AI" company.
What different sources said
- Yahoo FinanceCenter
Xpeng boss to head robot unit with humanoid mass production imminent
- South China Morning PostCenter
From electric cars to humanoids: Xpeng boss takes over robotics unit at ‘turning point’
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