Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng has introduced the second generation of its IRON humanoid robot during its 2025 AI Day event in Guangzhou, outlining plans to deploy the machine in retail environments by 2026. The updated IRON model reflects a year of engineering refinements focused on movement, control systems, and balance, with the goal of enabling it to operate naturally in busy public settings. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 154 pounds, the robot mirrors the build of an average adult while delivering mechanical precision supported by advanced artificial intelligence and upgraded hardware. The company positioned IRON as a service focused humanoid designed to greet shoppers, assist with product displays, and support in store operations.
Engineers have modeled IRON’s structure on the human spine and muscular system, incorporating synthetic muscles that stretch and contract to produce fluid motion. The robot includes 62 active joints that allow it to twist, shrug, and stabilize itself on uneven surfaces. Each hand features 22 degrees of freedom, enabling it to grip small tools or handle larger objects with measured control. A curved display wraps around its head to simulate facial expressions while communicating with users. Powering these systems is a lightweight all solid state battery designed to provide extended operational time while reducing overheating risks commonly associated with earlier battery technologies. The updated battery architecture also addresses safety considerations by minimizing thermal instability, an issue that has historically limited humanoid deployment in commercial environments.
At its processing core, IRON operates using three Turing AI chips capable of delivering 2,250 trillion operations per second. This computing capacity allows the robot to interpret visual and audio data in real time. Xpeng has integrated its Vision Language Action system to connect environmental perception with decision making and movement execution. Through this framework, IRON can respond to spoken questions, fold laundry, guide customers through showrooms, or carry out programmed workplace tasks. Developers are given access to an open toolkit that enables customization for different industries, including offices, retail stores, and warehouse facilities. By training the robot on thousands of hours of human walking footage rather than relying solely on pre programmed rules, the company has aimed to improve gait stability and obstacle avoidance.
Walking remains one of robotics’ most complex engineering hurdles, yet IRON has demonstrated a stride that resembles natural human movement. Its foot joints are engineered to absorb impact on hard flooring such as concrete, helping it maintain balance while traveling at speeds of up to 2 meters per second. Early demonstrations show the robot navigating crowded environments and lifting objects with steady coordination. Xpeng plans to first introduce IRON into retail settings where it will greet customers and showcase products before expanding into reception and sales support roles within its own facilities by the end of next year. The company has also entered into collaboration with Baoshan Iron & Steel to deploy IRON in industrial monitoring applications, where it will help identify equipment wear and potential faults before operational disruptions occur.
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