Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng Takes Direct Control of Robotics Unit Ahead of Humanoid Mass Production
Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng announced in an internal memo that he will personally lead the company's robotics department as it approaches mass production of its humanoid robot. The move follows the departure of a senior robotics director and comes as Xpeng pursues a broader strategy to become a 'physical AI' company. The decision signals the growing strategic importance of humanoid robotics within China's EV industry.
He Xiaopeng, the billionaire founder and CEO of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng, announced via an internal memo that he is taking direct control of the company's robotics unit, describing the moment as 'a turning point in its history' on the eve of mass production and commercialization. He disclosed that he has already been dedicating at least one full day per week to robotics operations over the past year. The leadership change follows the resignation of Shi Xiaoxin, the department's senior director for product planning, who departed for personal career reasons. Xpeng's flagship humanoid robot, named Iron, is reported to be progressing as planned toward mass production. The move reflects Xpeng's broader ambition to transform from an EV manufacturer into a 'physical AI' powerhouse, a strategy that positions it alongside other Chinese tech and automotive firms racing to commercialize humanoid robotics.
What different sources said
- Yahoo FinanceCenter
Xpeng’s AI Progress Should Give XPEV Stock a Big Boost in the Long Term
- South China Morning PostCenter
From electric cars to humanoids: Xpeng boss takes over robotics unit at ‘turning point’
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