At Auto Shanghai 2025, Xpeng unveiled its humanoid robot, “Iron,” marking a moment of real progress in artificial intelligence and robotics. Iron is not just a vision of the future—it is a working example of what intelligent machines can now achieve. With human-like shape and skill, Iron stands as a quiet tribute to decades of research and imagination, now brought to life.
Human Proportions, Human Skill
Iron stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds, closely matching the dimensions of an average adult. Its 60 joints and 22 degrees of freedom in each hand give it a rare level of dexterity—so precise that it can thread a needle or gently tap a touchscreen. These are delicate tasks many robots struggle with, yet Iron executes them smoothly, revealing a new level of control and grace in the world of robotics.
Powered by Advanced Intelligence
At the heart of Iron is Xpeng’s “Turing AI chip,” a specialized processor capable of 3,000 trillion operations every second. This same technology powers Xpeng’s self-driving electric vehicles, creating a networked intelligence that ties together cars and robots. Xpeng’s “Tianji AIOS” software supports Iron’s awareness of its surroundings, precision in movement, and ability to interact with people. This seamless connection between different machines points to a future where intelligent systems can work together across many areas of life.
Seeing the World with Clarity
Iron’s visual awareness comes from its “Eagle Eye” system—a sophisticated camera setup that provides a 720-degree view of its environment. This vision technology, borrowed from Xpeng’s autonomous vehicles, allows Iron to recognize obstacles, move safely, and respond quickly in complex settings. Its movements are guided by large AI models and refined through reinforcement learning, giving it a stable, confident walk that avoids the stiffness of older robots.
Understanding and Communicating with People
One of Iron’s most remarkable features is its ability to communicate naturally through voice. Adapted from Xpeng’s smart cockpit technology, Iron can hold conversations in Mandarin that feel fluent and engaging. It not only speaks, but also reasons and listens, displaying the logic and emotion needed for real connection. Iron demonstrated this at the Auto Shanghai showcase—explaining, gesturing, and handling fragile objects such as fine porcelain teacups, showing a gentle and thoughtful touch.
Ready for Work and Service
Iron’s abilities extend beyond display. Its blend of strength and finesse makes it suitable for both industrial and service roles. In factories, Iron could manage assembly or quality control. In retail, offices, or homes, it could help with tasks requiring both advice and a careful hand. The robot’s shared AI platform with Xpeng’s vehicles means it can easily adapt, transfer skills, and learn from different environments.
A Glimpse of the Future
Xpeng envisions Iron as the beginning of a world where intelligent robots and vehicles work together for human benefit. By merging advanced robotics and automotive AI, Iron sets the stage for seamless cooperation between people and machines in industry, public spaces, and personal life. Its debut is a milestone—one that shows how far we have come in turning science fiction into living fact.
Key Features of Iron
- Height: 5’8” (1.73 meters)
- Weight: 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Joints: 60, with 22 degrees of freedom in each hand
- AI Power: Turing AI chip with 3,000 TOPS
- Vision: 720° “Eagle Eye” system for full environmental awareness
- Software: Tianji AIOS for perception, movement, interaction
- Mobility: Natural walking, guided by advanced AI algorithms
- Interaction: Fluent Mandarin, thoughtful responses, gentle handling
- Integration: AI ecosystem shared with Xpeng electric vehicles
With Iron, Xpeng has introduced a robot that gracefully connects the worlds of intelligent vehicles and human-like machines. Its presence at Auto Shanghai 2025 stands as a lasting symbol of what purposeful innovation and reverence for human skill can achieve.
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