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A Chinese Tesla rival is building a 'huggable' robot to take on Optimus

18 Nov, 2025
A Chinese Tesla rival is building a 'huggable' robot to take on Optimus

XPeng Unveils "Iron Robot" with Ambitions to Compete with Tesla's Optimus

XPeng has announced its plans to develop and launch an "Iron Robot," a humanoid robot that aims to rival Tesla's Optimus. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer is reportedly targeting a market launch for its robot in 2025.

Robotic Development and Market Entry

XPeng's foray into the humanoid robot market signifies a strategic expansion beyond its core electric vehicle business. The company's leadership has indicated an ambitious timeline for the Iron Robot, with a projected release in the year 2025. This timeline suggests a concentrated effort to bring its robotic offering to consumers and potentially commercial applications within a relatively short period. The development is being led by XPeng's robotic division, indicating a significant investment in this new technological frontier.

Capabilities and Competitive Landscape

While specific technical details of the Iron Robot's capabilities remain under wraps, its development is framed as a direct response to the growing interest and advancements in humanoid robotics, exemplified by Tesla's Optimus project. The stated intention is to create a robot that can perform various tasks, though the precise nature of these tasks has not yet been detailed. XPeng's move positions it within a nascent but rapidly evolving competitive landscape, where major technology and automotive companies are exploring the potential of humanoid robots for future applications.

In summary, XPeng is actively developing a humanoid robot, dubbed the "Iron Robot," with an anticipated market debut in 2025. This initiative places XPeng in direct competition with other industry giants exploring humanoid robotics, signaling a significant push into this emerging technological sector.