Key facts
- Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng is taking over leadership of the company's robotics division.
- The company aims to become a 'physical AI' powerhouse.
- Xpeng's humanoid robots are nearing mass production.
- The leadership change follows the resignation of the previous senior director for product planning.
- He Xiaopeng has been actively involved in the robotics unit for the past year.
Xpeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng is personally taking the helm of the company's robotics division, a move he described as a strategic pivot as the unit approaches mass production and commercialization of its humanoid robots. This transition underscores Xpeng's ambition to evolve into a 'physical AI' powerhouse.
The leadership change comes shortly after the resignation of Shi Xiaoxin, the department's former senior director for product planning. Despite this, a company representative confirmed that Xpeng's flagship humanoid robot, named Iron, is progressing according to schedule.
He Xiaopeng's direct involvement highlights the urgency of Xpeng's diversification strategy. He disclosed that he has spent at least one full day each week engaged with the robotics operations over the past year, indicating his deep commitment to the unit's future success.