XPeng hits mass-production milestone with first ET1 humanoid robot

XPeng has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first prototype unit of its ET1 humanoid robot, developed to automotive-grade standards. Announced by founder and CEO He Xiaopeng, this marks a critical step toward the company’s goal of large-scale mass production of advanced humanoid robots by the end of 2026. The ET1 follows earlier humanoid models unveiled at XPeng’s AI Day events, including the first-generation IRON robot with over 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom, and a second-generation model featuring advanced AI chips and lifelike movements enabled by a humanoid spine, bionic muscles, and flexible skin. XPeng’s humanoid robots share technology with its electric vehicles and have already been integrated into internal operations such as factories and stores. The company plans to initially focus the next-generation humanoids on commercial service applications like retail and hospitality, rather than personal home use. This robotics development is part of XPeng’s broader “physical AI” strategy, which also