When Xpeng recently unveiled its Next Gen Iron humanoid, the robot glided across the stage with such fluid motion that the crowd froze. Many viewers thought they saw an actor in a suit. The clips spread online within hours, with people everywhere saying the same thing: It looked too human to be a machine.
The backlash spread quickly, so Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng returned to the scene a day later with a plan to resolve the dispute. Cut off Iron’s leg to show him the inner workings. It seemed theatrical, but also necessary to put an end to the rumor that a human was controlling the robot from within.
The demonstration showed that the Iron was a real machine with complex systems under its flexible skin.
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Iron’s debut wowed the crowd as the humanoid robot walked with such natural motion that many viewers thought there was a real person inside.
He shared how his robotics team stayed up all night with onlookers accusing them of pulling a stunt. After the reveal, Iron went to the crowd again without a man inside. The moment closed the debate and highlighted how far the company has come since its first model in 2024.
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The latest Iron uses a humanoid spine with bionic muscles and flexible skin. It moves with 82 degrees of freedom, and its human-sized hands include 22 degrees of freedom supported by a tiny harmonic joint designed by the company. The robot runs on all solid state batteries that keep the body light and strong.
Iron also uses Xpeng’s second-generation VLA model. Three Turing chips with 2,250 TOPS of power support tasks such as conversations, walking and natural interactions. It responds in ways that feel closer to a person than a robot.
Xpeng says future versions will offer different body shapes. This statement suggests customizable models when these units reach consumers.
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To quell the rumours, the team opened up Iron’s leg on stage and revealed the machinery beneath its flexible skin.
Xpeng’s long-term vision goes far beyond a single presentation moment. The company plans to place the Next Gen Iron model in real environments. Early units will focus on commercial roles such as tour guides, shopping guides and customer support. These placements allow robots to interact with large crowds, gather feedback, and refine their behavior in dynamic public spaces.
This release is part of what Xpeng describes as a gradual path to mass production. The team aims to achieve full-scale production by the end of 2026. This stage could introduce hundreds or even thousands of humanoid units in selected locations. Businesses can adopt them to manage foot traffic, assist guests, or support basic retail tasks.
While the company is open about commercial integration, the timeline for home use remains unclear. They did not say when consumers will be able to buy a version suitable for everyday household tasks. Engineers still need to address safety, privacy and reliability standards before a humanoid can operate in private homes.
Even so, this moment signals a clear shift: robots that move and react in a real way are no longer far-fetched ideas. They step into public spaces where people will see them working up close. This change could reshape the way we all see service work and personal assistance for years to come.
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The exposed frame showcases Iron’s bionic muscles, joints and cables, giving a clear look at the advanced engineering that powers his lifelike movement.
Humanoid robots are moving from concept to reality. You may soon see them in museums or stores. Their skills could speed up services and reduce waiting times. These bots can also raise new questions about security, privacy and convenience. Change is happening fast, and this moment marks a sea change in how robots integrate into everyday life.
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Xpeng’s state-of-the-art Iron humanoid robot speaks to the media during a showroom tour at its headquarters in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province, on November 5, 2025.
Xpeng wanted attention for his new humanoid, but he got a lot more after people doubted what they saw. The dramatic unveiling aimed to rebuild trust and show a future where robots can move and react with true precision. The next two years will shape how these cars enter real-world use.
Would you feel excited or anxious when approaching a real robot in a public place? Let us know by emailing us at Cyberguy.com
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Source of the original article: The robot wows the crowd after a shocking reveal on stage