Science fiction scenarios are becoming reality as Chinese EV maker XPENG begins mass-producing humanoid robots called IRON at its new automated factory in Guangzhou. Over 80% of the factory's operations run without human workers using automated systems, and the company proudly declares it as the world's first automated production line for advanced humanoid robots. Most remarkably, the first IRON robot produced walked off the production line on its own immediately after assembly.
The IRON robot, standing 173 centimeters tall and weighing 65 kilograms, features up to 76 degrees of freedom of movement including 21 independent movements in each hand, enabling it to perform complex movements and handle objects with precision. XPENG plans to begin mass production of these robots by the end of 2026. In 2027, the company will first deploy them in its own retail stores and workplaces before entering domestic and international markets.
Just in August, XPENG's robotics division secured over $900 million in funding, raising the company's valuation above $6.3 billion. This new XPENG factory clearly demonstrates how rapidly technology companies are scaling humanoid robots from experimental stages to mass production.
Ref: Technology Innovation
