Xpeng's Robotics Division Raises $900M to Mass-Produce 'IRON' Humanoid Robot
Xpeng's robotics division has completed its first funding round, raising over $900 million at a post-money valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. The company plans to start mass production of its 'IRON' humanoid robot by late 2026. This funding round sets a record for China's embodied AI sector, highlighting intense investor interest and accelerating the commercialization timeline for humanoid robots in factories and retail. Led by IDG Capital and supported by tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, the funds will be used for R&D, physical AI model training, and building mass-production facilities. The IRON robot is scheduled to launch in Chinese and global markets in 2027 after initial deployment in Xpeng's stores and campuses.
## BACKGROUND
Embodied AI refers to the integration of artificial intelligence into physical systems like humanoid robots, allowing them to interact dynamically with the physical world. Xpeng's IRON is a full-size humanoid robot designed to perform tasks in real-world spaces such as factories and retail stores, leveraging advanced degrees of freedom and AI-driven balance.