Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng has made a significant leap in robotics, unveiling Iron, its first humanoid robot, at its 2024 AI Day. This event highlighted Xpeng’s latest advancements in AI technology, encompassing not only robotics but also highly efficient electric vehicles and even flying cars.
Iron, weighing 70 kg and standing 1.8 meters tall, is designed to support human-like tasks with remarkable precision and adaptability. Equipped with over 60 joints and 200 degrees of motion, Iron showcases a high level of dexterity, capable of complex actions such as walking and handling delicate parts. Xpeng reports that Iron is already operational within its automotive production lines, contributing to the assembly of the upcoming P7+ EV, underscoring its immediate practicality beyond a mere prototype display.
At the heart of Iron’s intelligence lies Xpeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip. Featuring a 40-core CPU, this chip is engineered to manage high-intensity AI applications across robotics, EVs, and even flying vehicles. Xpeng states that the Turing chip can process AI models with up to 30 billion parameters, completing over 2,700 functional tests within 40 days—three times faster than the industry standard. This advanced AI enables Iron to “think” and adapt across various tasks, reflecting a level of flexibility akin to human decision-making.
In addition to robotics, Xpeng presented the Kunpeng electric system, a next-generation powertrain that maximizes energy efficiency and extends EV range. Built on an 800V silicon carbide platform, Kunpeng integrates an ultra-fast-charging AI battery capable of reaching 80% in just 12 minutes and adding around 1 km of range per second of charge. The system includes an ultra-quiet range extender, which operates at a mere 1 dB, and uses AI to optimize power management, seamlessly transitioning between full electric and extended-range modes.
Xpeng also showcased its latest high-speed charging station, the S5, which boasts liquid cooling technology and can add roughly 0.6 miles (1 km) of range per second. The system includes an AI-powered “Battery Doctor” that actively monitors battery health, enhancing longevity by up to 30%.
Looking ahead, Xpeng is venturing into flying vehicles, with hybrid models expected by 2026. With its focus on AI, robotics, and autonomous technology, Xpeng is positioning itself as a global leader in tech innovation, aiming to expand into 60 countries by next year and advance into industries beyond electric vehicles.
