Xpeng Demonstrates Realism of Humanoid Robot with Onstage Reveal
NEW YORK, New York — December 3, 2025 — Xpeng recently showcased its Next Gen Iron humanoid robot, whose lifelike movements sparked widespread disbelief among audiences who suspected a human operator was concealed inside. The robot’s fluid motions during its debut led many viewers to question its authenticity, prompting viral speculation that it was a person in a suit rather than a machine.
In response to the skepticism, Xpeng’s CEO He Xiaopeng returned to the stage the following day and performed a live demonstration to confirm the robot’s mechanical nature. He cut into the robot’s leg to reveal the internal components beneath its flexible skin, dispelling rumors that the robot was controlled by a hidden human. Following this reveal, Iron walked again onstage without any human inside, ending the debate about its authenticity.
The Next Gen Iron humanoid features a humanoid spine with bionic muscles and flexible skin, allowing it to move with 82 degrees of freedom. Its human-sized hands have 22 degrees of freedom, supported by a compact harmonic joint developed by Xpeng. The robot is powered by all solid-state batteries, which contribute to a lightweight yet strong body. It also incorporates Xpeng’s second-generation VLA model and is equipped with three Turing chips delivering 2,250 trillion operations per second, enabling it to perform tasks such as walking, conversing, and interacting naturally.
Xpeng’s robotics team reportedly worked through the night to prepare for the demonstration, motivated by the need to address the public’s doubts. The company has indicated that future versions of the robot will offer customizable body shapes, suggesting plans for consumer-oriented designs.
Looking ahead, Xpeng intends to deploy the Next Gen Iron in real-world commercial settings, including roles as tour guides, shopping assistants, and customer service helpers. These early deployments aim to gather user feedback and improve the robot’s performance in dynamic environments. The company plans to begin large-scale manufacturing by the end of 2026, potentially introducing hundreds or thousands of humanoid robots to various venues to assist with tasks such as managing foot traffic and guest services.
This demonstration marks a significant advancement in humanoid robotics technology and highlights Xpeng’s progress since its initial model in 2024.
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