Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG generated buzz at its recent AI Day event in Guangzhou, unveiling its latest humanoid robot, IRON. But the sleek walk and distinctly feminine design of this AI assistant quickly sparked debate online. Why did XPENG choose to give IRON breasts and a more traditionally feminine figure? The answer lies partly in practical considerations and partly in XPENG’s ambitious vision for the future of human-robot interaction.
While initial prototypes leaned towards quadrupedal designs, XPENG CEO Xiaopeng He believes humanoid robots are currently more adaptable to our world. “A lot of scenarios are designed for human beings,” he explained during his keynote speech. He sees hands and two legs as essential for navigating everyday environments and interacting with existing infrastructure.
Moreover, He argues that human-like forms foster a stronger emotional connection. “More human-like robots… can be more intimate,” he stated, suggesting this warmth could drive consumer preference and ultimately lead to wider adoption and cost reduction.
The company’s vision extends beyond basic functionality; XPENG aims to create robots that feel almost indistinguishable from humans. This includes not only mimicking physical appearance but also incorporating softer skin textures and human-scale dimensions.
When questioned about IRON’s female presentation, Liangchuan “LC” Mi, vice president of XPENG’s Robotics Centre, framed it as a natural reflection of diversity. “We see different options because there are different kinds of humans,” he explained. The intention is to gauge public reaction to various robot form factors and understand individual preferences.
XPENG CEO He envisions a future where consumers can personalize their robots much like they choose car models – selecting color, exterior design, even sex and hair style. “You can choose sex… or the clothes,” he said.
While still in the research and development phase, with plans for commercial production slated to begin next April, IRON represents a bold step towards creating robots that are not merely tools but potential companions and collaborators within our increasingly intertwined human-machine world.
