TLDR
- Xpeng unveils three robotaxi models for 2026 launch powered by self-developed Turing AI chips delivering 3,000 TOPS computing power
- Company’s second-generation Iron humanoid robot enters mass production by end of 2026 for use in tour guide and sales roles
- Partnership with Alibaba’s AutoNavi and Amaps platforms enables robotaxi service rollout starting with Guangzhou testing
- Executive team accelerated timeline from previous five-year forecast due to rapid AI technology advancements
- Robotaxis feature external sun visor displays and Level 4 autonomous driving through Canghai AI platform
Xpeng rolled out plans for three robotaxi models at its AI Day event in Guangzhou on Wednesday. The Chinese electric vehicle company targets a 2026 launch date.
The timeline shift catches attention because co-president Brian Gu previously said self-driving taxis wouldn’t become a meaningful business for at least five years. That statement came in April 2024.
Gu explained the change during a group interview with reporters. AI technology and computing power developed faster than the company anticipated, he said.
Each robotaxi uses four Turing AI chips developed by Xpeng’s engineering teams. The combined computing power reaches 3,000 TOPS, which the company describes as the highest in-car total available globally.
The chips run Xpeng’s second-generation vision-language-action model. This AI system interprets visual information to enable self-driving functions.
Alibaba Deal and Market Entry
Xpeng formed a partnership with Alibaba to distribute its robotaxi service. Alibaba’s AutoNavi mapping subsidiary and Amaps app will integrate the offering, giving users access through existing ride-hailing features.
Initial testing starts in Guangzhou next year before expanding to other Chinese cities. The move positions Xpeng against competitors like Pony.ai, WeRide, and Baidu who operate robotaxis in parts of China.
The company designed two robotaxi categories. Commercial vehicles will handle public ride-sharing. Personal autonomous cars will serve families seeking private transportation options.
External displays mounted on sun visors show vehicle speed, charging status, and trip information. These screens help communicate with pedestrians and nearby drivers.
Gu noted that international expansion faces regulatory challenges. He expects robotaxis to eventually operate globally but acknowledged the process will require time for approvals.
Robot Production and Sales Forecast
Xpeng introduced its second-generation Iron humanoid robot during the same presentation. Production ramps up by late 2026.
CEO He Xiaopeng dismissed near-term household deployment. Chinese factory labor costs make industrial applications impractical right now, he explained.
The robots will debut as tour guides, sales assistants, and office building guides. Xpeng’s facilities get first access to the technology.
He offered an unexpected sales prediction. He believes robot units will outsell vehicles over the next ten years, though he didn’t provide specific numbers.
Three Turing chips power each humanoid along with a solid-state battery. Customization options include body shape and hair style selections.
The robotaxis deliver Level 4 autonomous capability using Xpeng’s Canghai AI platform. Xpeng’s G9 SUV received testing approval for public roads in Guangzhou back in 2022.
Video footage shared on Weibo Tuesday showed the X9-based robotaxi performing various tasks. The clip demonstrated communication with pedestrians through dual display screens.
Co-president Gu acknowledged Tesla’s superior marketing around commercialization plans. He noted Xpeng developed flying cars and robots before Tesla but hasn’t promoted those efforts as effectively.
The robotaxi announcement comes as Chinese autonomous vehicle companies expand testing programs. Gu said the computing power increases and AI breakthroughs gave leadership confidence they’re approaching an inflection point for the technology.
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