Xpeng to launch robotaxis, humanoid robots with in-house AI chips

Robert Way/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Xpeng (XPEV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/XPEV]) announced a major push into autonomous and AI technologies, unveiling plans to launch robotaxis next year and debut its second-generation humanoid robot as part of its “AI Day” event.

The Chinese automaker introduced three robotaxi models that will use four in-house “Turing” AI chips, delivering a combined computing power of 3,000 TOPS, which Xpeng claims is the highest in-car processing power globally. The company will begin testing robotaxis in Guangzhou and other Chinese cities next year, with support from Alibaba’s (BABA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BABA]) digital mapping subsidiary AutoNavi and Amaps apps.

The robotaxi announcement comes amid growing competition from Chinese peers like Pony.ai (PONY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PONY]), WeRide (WRD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/WRD]), and Baidu (BIDU [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BIDU]), which have already introduced self-driving taxis in several Chinese cities and expanded globally. Meanwhile, Tesla (TSLA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TSLA]) rolled out its long-awaited robotaxi service earlier this year in parts of Texas.

Similar to Tesla’s push into humanoid robots, Xpeng (XPEV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/XPEV]) also revealed its second-generation Iron robot, powered by three of Xpeng’s Turing AI chips and a solid-state battery, with mass production set for next year. The robots will initially be deployed as tour guides, sales assistants, and office building guides, beginning in Xpeng facilities.

During a presentation on Wednesday, CEO He Xiaopeng said that he doesn’t know how many robots Xpeng will sell in the next 10 years, but it will be more than the number of cars.

XPEV ADRs rose 2.7% premarket.

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