Xpeng cuts open humanoid robot to prove it’s real after viral doubt
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When Xpeng recently unveiled its Next Generation Iron humanoid robot, the robot glided across the stage with such fluid movement that the crowd froze. Many viewers thought they saw an actor in a suit. The clips went viral within hours, and people everywhere claimed the same thing: It looked too human-like to be a machine.
The backlash spread quickly, and Xpeng’s CEO He Xiaopeng returned to the scene a day later with a plan to resolve the controversy. He cut off Demir’s leg to show his internal mechanism. It felt theatrical, but it was also necessary to end the rumor that a human was controlling the robot from the inside.
The demonstration showed that Iron is a real machine with complex systems beneath its flexible surface.
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Iron’s debut stunned the crowd, as the humanoid robot walked with such natural movement that many viewers thought there was a real person inside. (Xpeng)
Inside the new generation iron humanoid vehicle
He shared how the robot team stayed up throughout the night and viewers accused them of performing. After the announcement, Iron walked to the front of the crowd again, without the human inside. The moment the debate ended highlighted how far the company has come since its first model in 2024.
The newest Iron uses a humanoid spine with bionic muscles and flexible skin. He moves with 82 degrees of freedom, and his human-sized hands contain 22 degrees of freedom supported by a small harmonic joint designed by the company. The robot is powered by all solid state batteries, which keeps the body light and powerful.
Iron also uses Xpeng’s second generation VLA model. Three Turing chips with 2,250 TOPS power support tasks such as conversations, walking, and natural interactions. It responds in ways that feel closer to a human than a robot.
Xpeng says future versions will offer different body shapes. This claim points to customizable designs when these units reach consumers.
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To silence the rumors, the team cut off Iron’s leg on stage, revealing the machinery beneath his flexible skin. (Xpeng)
A step towards the future of humanoid robots
Xpeng’s long-term vision goes far beyond a single demonstration moment. The company plans to deploy the Next Generation Iron model in real-world environments. The first units will focus on trade roles such as tour guides, shopping guides and customer service assistants. These deployments allow robots to interact with large crowds, collect feedback and improve their behavior in dynamic public spaces.
This deployment forms part of what Xpeng describes as a gradual path towards mass production. The team aims to achieve large-scale production by the end of 2026. This breakthrough could lead to the introduction of hundreds or even thousands of humanoid units into specific locations. Businesses can adopt them to manage foot traffic, assist guests, or support essential retail tasks.
While the company has talked openly about commercial integration, the timeline for home use remains unclear. They did not share when consumers will be able to purchase the version suitable for daily household tasks. Engineers still need to address security, privacy and reliability standards for a humanoid robot to operate in private homes.
Even so, this moment signals a clear shift: Robots that move and react realistically are no longer distant ideas. They step into public spaces where people can see them up close. This shift may reshape the way we all view service work and personal assistance in the years to come.
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The exposed frame shows off Iron’s bionic muscles, joints, and cables, providing a clear look at the advanced engineering that powers his realistic movement. (Xpeng)
What does this mean for you?
Humanoid robots are moving from concept to reality. You may soon see them in museums or stores. Their skills can speed up service and reduce wait times. These robots may also raise new questions about security, privacy and comfort. Change is happening rapidly, and this moment marks a major shift in how robots will adapt to daily life.
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Kurt’s important takeaways
Xpeng wanted to attract attention with its new humanoid robot, but it got a lot more when people started doubting what they saw. The dramatic reveal was aimed at rebuilding trust and showing a future where robots could act and react with true precision. The next two years will shape how these machines come into real-world use.
Would you feel excited or uneasy walking next to a lifelike robot in a public place? Let us know by writing to us. cyberguy.com
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