TLDRs:
- Chinese EV companies increase humanoid robotics projects to compete with US tech firms.
- Xpeng plans mass production of Iron robot by end of 2026, praised by Musk.
- Chery develops Mornine humanoid, focused on understanding human language and intent.
- Government subsidies accelerate robotics adoption amid manufacturing automation push in China.
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are accelerating their humanoid robotics efforts as competition with American tech firms intensifies.
Xpeng, headquartered in Guangzhou, announced plans to begin mass production of its humanoid robot, Iron, by the end of 2026. The robot, now in its seventh generation, has drawn attention from Tesla CEO Elon Musk for its advanced AI capabilities.
Iron’s proprietary AI model primarily leverages visual data to make autonomous decisions, showcasing the potential crossover between robotics and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Chery Invests in Human-Interaction Robotics
State-owned automaker Chery, located in Anhui province, has partnered with AI company Aimoga since early 2024 to develop its humanoid robot, Mornine.
Unlike Iron, Mornine is designed with a focus on interpreting human language and intent, highlighting a different approach to human-robot interaction.
This investment indicates a growing trend among Chinese automakers to diversify their robotics strategies, moving beyond industrial automation toward more versatile, human-facing robots.
Robotics Boom Across Chinese Automakers
Xpeng and Chery are not alone. Other Chinese EV companies, including Nio, BYD, GAC Group, and Seres, are investing heavily in robotics.
Many of these firms see significant potential in merging autonomous vehicle technology with humanoid robotics. Despite ambitious marketing claims, the availability of concrete production data remains limited. While UBTECH, a prominent Chinese humanoid robotics manufacturer, recently began mass production after securing $112 million in orders, real-world deployment metrics, pricing information, and unit economics remain largely opaque.
In Shanghai, a dedicated robotics training facility has already prepared 102 humanoid robots for deployment across 10 different companies, but experts caution that many models still suffer from higher failure rates and weaker algorithms compared to traditional industrial robots. Most Chinese factories currently employ conventional robotic units, with humanoid robots still largely in testing or low-precision roles.
Government Subsidies Fuel Robotics Adoption
Government support is playing a pivotal role in the robotics surge. Shenzhen has allocated 4.5 billion yuan ($630 million) in 2025 to support AI and robotics initiatives, offering computing-power vouchers that cover up to 60% of costs, capped at 10 million yuan per project.
Similarly, Guangdong has earmarked $135 billion for industrial upgrading, including robotics deployment. These subsidies incentivize manufacturers to experiment with automation, reduce operational risk, and accelerate adoption timelines.
System integrators and simulation software providers stand to benefit, as provinces with higher subsidies often prioritize advanced production lines and digital twin testing environments. Safety and compliance service providers also find opportunities in training personnel to meet national and provincial standards, helping manufacturers fully leverage government incentives.
The Road Ahead for Chinese Robotics
The rise of humanoid robotics in China’s EV sector signals a strategic push to not only compete with American tech giants but also explore the broader possibilities of AI-driven automation.
While Xpeng, Chery, and others continue to innovate, experts emphasize the importance of bridging the gap between ambitious claims and practical deployments. The next few years will be critical in determining whether China’s humanoid robotics initiatives can achieve commercial viability at scale or remain mostly experimental.
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