Xpeng CEO takes charge of robotics unit for mass production

Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng will personally lead the company’s robotics unit as it targets mass production of humanoid robots by late 2026. The move follows the resignation of senior director Shi Xiaoxin as the company pivots toward physical AI and robotaxis. Xpeng expects robotics hardware and AI models to become primary drivers of revenue and gross margins starting in 2027.

He Xiaopeng announced the leadership change in an internal letter on Wednesday morning. He stated the decision comes as the company prepares for the commercialization of its IRON humanlike robots. "The industry is becoming increasingly hot and competitive, and we have clearly seen the direction and timing of victory, but it still requires more arduous implementation and extremely high decision-making ability," He wrote.