Gaorong Ventures is a venture capital firm. Its humanoid robotics portfolio includes Xpeng.
XPeng's IRON humanoid robot successfully walked off a real production line in Guangzhou on September 8, marking the company's transition from research prototypes to actual manufacturing, with over 80% of core assembly automated using automotive-grade quality systems. The milestone comes as Tesla's Optimus program continues to face production delays and Unitree's stock has lost half its value since its volatile IPO, raising questions about commercial demand for humanoid robots outside research settings.
Nearly 20 Chinese NEV makers including XPeng, Li Auto, BYD, and NIO are entering the robotics sector as a new growth frontier, leveraging their expertise in smart driving, electric components, and supply chain management. XPeng's robotics unit recently closed a funding round raising over 900 million USD at a valuation exceeding 6.3 billion USD, with plans to produce over 1,000 humanoid robots monthly by year-end.
Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers including XPeng, Li Auto, BYD and NIO are expanding into the robotics sector, with nearly 20 automakers now involved in robotics through R&D, subsidiaries or industrial investment. XPeng's robotics unit has raised over $900 million in external funding at a $6.3 billion valuation, while the Chinese government projects the embodied intelligence market will reach $56.5 billion by 2030.