XPENG CEO leads robotics as IRON robot nears mass production

The chairman and CEO of XPENG, He Xiaopeng, has taken direct control of the company's robotics division, a major strategic move as the Chinese electric vehicle maker prepares to begin mass production of its humanoid robot, named IRON, later this year. The leadership change, announced in an internal memo on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, signals the intensifying competition in China's physical artificial intelligence sector, where automakers are increasingly vying with technology firms.

He Xiaopeng stated he will personally lead XPENG Robotics immediately, characterizing the unit as having reached a turning point on the eve of mass production and commercialization. He disclosed that over the past year he had already dedicated at least one full day each week to the robotics operations. The reshuffle follows the recent resignation of Shi Xiaoxin, a senior director of robotics product planning who was a core figure on the IRON project. The company confirmed his departure was due to personal career adjustments and stated the robot's development remains on schedule.

The decision underscores XPENG's urgent push to diversify beyond its core electric vehicle business, which is under...