Xpeng's AI Day: Robots, Robotaxis, and 'Flying Cars' Taking China by Storm!

TL;DR: Xpeng just held its AI Day, and it was a whirlwind of futuristic tech! They unveiled a new vision-centered AI model, VLA 2.0, that's set to power robotaxis, humanoid robots called IRON, and even "flying cars." This Chinese automaker is making big moves to define itself as an AI powerhouse.

Meta: Xpeng's AI Day 2025 unveiled an ambitious vision, showcasing a new vision-centered AI model powering robotaxis, humanoid robots, and 'flying cars,' positioning the automaker as a major AI player.

Alright, hold onto your hats, because Xpeng's AI Day in Guangzhou just dropped a whole lotta future on us! This ain't just an EV company anymore; they're morphing into an "AI-defined applications" powerhouse. Their new Xpeng VLA 2.0 vision-centered model is the brain behind a whole new fleet of tech: autonomous features in their EVs, dedicated robotaxis, humanoid robots, and even what they're calling "flying cars." Move over, Jetson family, Xpeng's coming for your ride!

CEO Xiaopeng He is all about "Physical AI," which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's really about merging AI with physical products like robots. Now, if that sounds familiar, it's because Tesla's Elon Musk has been talking about cars as "robots on wheels" and working on Optimus. Xpeng's CEO ain't shy about taking inspiration, even admitting he started Xpeng after Tesla opened up its patents. But Xpeng seems to be taking a more grounded, step-by-step approach, which, let's be honest, can be a breath of fresh air.

Robo-Rides and Iron Hands

On the robotaxi front, Xpeng's rolling out three new purpose-built electric vehicles—5, 6, and 7-seaters—for trial operations in 2026. These bad boys will pack four Turing AI chips delivering 3,000 TOPS, making them smart enough to get you across town without a human behind the wheel. And their NGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) ADAS system, a direct competitor to Tesla FSD, is already impressing folks with its parking-to-parking capabilities, even in their affordable ~$20,000 Mona electric cars.

But wait, there's more! Xpeng's humanoid robot, IRON, has been in development for seven years. The latest generation boasts new bones, bionic muscles, and "full-coverage soft skin." It's powered by three Turing AI chips and combines VLT + VLA + VLM cognitive models, allowing it to see, move, and interact in real time. While Tesla and 1X are talking millions of robots by 2026, Xpeng is being a little more conservative, aiming to use IRON as guides and salespeople in their stores next year, with wider industrial and home use projected 3-10 years down the line. Real talk, people.

"Xiaopeng has never hidden that he has drawn a lot of inspiration from Tesla. He even admitted having started Xpeng after Tesla 'opened up' its patents."

The Sky's the Limit (Almost)

And then there are the "flying cars" under their ARIDGE brand. We're talking low-altitude eVTOL aircraft. The A868 is an electric-hybrid, six-seat tilt rotorcraft with a 500 km range, entering flight tests. Closer to reality is their 'Land Aircraft Carrier'—a modular electric-hybrid 6x6 vehicle that carries a small eVTOL. With over 7,000 global preorders, the first mass-production unit is already off the line! They're even deploying "flying camps" across China for tourism tours. The CEO says he'll personally fly in the first production unit. Now that's what I call putting your money where your mouth is!

What's Next

Keep a close eye on Xpeng's robotaxi trials in 2026 and the gradual rollout of their NGP system in consumer vehicles. The IRON robots will debut in Xpeng stores next year, so if you're in China, you might just get greeted by one. And the 'Land Aircraft Carrier' reaching pre-production is a significant step for personal eVTOLs. Xpeng is definitely a player to watch as they push the boundaries of AI in mobility, with a realism that's, dare I say, refreshing? So, if you're looking for the future, Xpeng might just be flying it in, or rolling it up in a taxi. You heard it here first, folks!