Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has announced plans to launch robotaxis in 2024, marking a notable shift from its previous stance that questioned the viability of such a business in the near future. During its “AI Day,” Xpeng revealed that it will introduce three autonomous taxi models equipped with four self-developed “Turing” AI chips, which it claims to be among the highest in-car computing powers globally at 3,000 TOPS. These semiconductors power its “vision-language-action” AI model, designed to process visual and contextual cues for applications like driverless cars and robotics.
Xpeng aims to begin testing these robotaxis in cities like Guangzhou next year, signalling a push to compete with other Chinese tech giants like Pony.ai, WeRide, and Baidu, all of which are expanding their autonomous vehicle services. The company’s robotaxi features include external displays showing speed and information, enhancing user interaction. Co-president Brian Gu expressed optimism, stating that robotaxis could become a global phenomenon eventually, though acknowledging regulatory hurdles and that it might take several years for widespread adoption.
In addition to autonomous taxis, Xpeng is venturing into humanoid robots with its second-generation Iron robot, set for mass production in 2024. The robot, equipped with AI chips and solid-state batteries, will initially serve as tour guides, sales assistants, and office guides within Xpeng’s facilities. CEO He Xiaopeng indicated that these robots could surpass car sales in number within a decade, although initial focus remains on industrial and service applications.
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Compared to Tesla, which has promoted its humanoid robots and flying cars more aggressively, Gu noted that Xpeng has been developing similar technologies earlier but has not publicised them extensively. While Tesla has a more visible commercialisation plan, Xpeng emphasises its technological advancements and readiness to introduce innovative mobility and robotics solutions. Xpeng’s developments highlight China’s rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle and robotics landscape.
