On November 5, 2025, XPENG Motors took the wraps off its latest-generation humanoid robot, IRON, at its Tech Day event. The robot ignited a storm of controversy among netizens, mainly because its gait while strutting down the catwalk was so human-like that some even wondered if it was actually a human masquerading as a robot. In a bid to clear the air, He Xiaopeng, the Chairman of XPENG Motors, posted a video that laid bare the robot's internal architecture. The video showcased elements such as the lattice muscles on its back, controllers, and mechanical skeleton, effectively dispelling the doubts.

IRON boasts a human-like spine design with an impressive 82 degrees of joint freedom. This feature allows it to be tailored to fit different body types. Moreover, it harnesses all-solid-state battery technology, which not only makes it lightweight but also ensures high safety standards. Additionally, IRON is outfitted with three self-developed Turing AI chips, collectively delivering a staggering computing power of 2250TOPS. This setup enables it to engage in multimodal dialogue and make complex behavioral decisions.

As for the protruding design on IRON's chest, XPENG clarified that it marks a new location for the computing power center. Given the high density of sensors in the head, relocating the computing power center to the chest was a strategic move. This change not only optimizes space utilization but also offers better heat dissipation potential.

In terms of commercialization, IRON is set to make its initial debut in commercial environments. It will serve roles like guiding tours and assisting with shopping. There are also plans to ramp up mass production by the end of 2026. Furthermore, IRON will be introduced at Baosteel to delve into potential industrial applications.