Xpeng cuts open humanoid robot to prove it’s real after viral doubt

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 costume. The clips spread online within hours, and people all over the world were saying the same thing: It looked too human to be a machine.

The backlash spread quickly, so much so that Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng returned to the stage a day later with a plan to settle the dispute. He cut off Iron’s leg to show his internal machinery. This seemed theatrical but also necessary to put to rest the rumor that a human was controlling the robot from the inside.

The demonstration showed that Iron was a real machine with complex systems beneath its flexible skin.

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ELON MUSK TEASES A FUTURE RUN BY ROBOTS

Iron’s debut stunned the crowd as the humanoid robot walked with such natural movement that many viewers thought there was a real person inside. (Xpeng)

Inside the Next Generation Iron Humanoid

He explained how his robotics team stayed up all night, watching as viewers accused them of staging a stunt. After the reveal, Iron once again walked in front of the crowd without a human inside. This moment closed the debate and highlighted how far the company has come since its first model in 2024.

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 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 talking, walking and natural interactions. He reacts in a way that seems closer to a person than a robot.

Xpeng says future versions will offer different body shapes. This claim hints at customizable designs when these units reach consumers.

SMART FABRIC MUSCLES COULD CHANGE THE WAY WE MOVE

To quell the rumors, the team opened Iron’s leg on stage and revealed the machinery beneath his flexible skin. (Xpeng)

A step towards a future of humanoid robots

Xpeng’s long-term vision goes far beyond a simple showcase moment. The company plans to place the Next Gen Iron model in real-world environments. The first units will focus on business roles such as tour guides, sales guides and customer service assistants. These placements allow robots to interact with large crowds, gather feedback, and refine their behavior in dynamic public spaces.

This rollout is part of what Xpeng describes as a gradual path toward mass production. The team aims to reach full-scale manufacturing by the end of 2026. This step could introduce hundreds or even thousands of humanoid units at some sites. Businesses can adopt them to manage foot traffic, assist guests, or support basic retail tasks.

Even though the company is open about commercial integration, the timeline for home use remains unclear. They did not say when consumers will be able to purchase a version suitable for everyday household chores. Engineers still need to address security, privacy and reliability standards before a humanoid can operate inside private homes.

This moment, however, marks an obvious change: robots that move and react realistically are no longer distant ideas. They enter public spaces where people will see them operating up close. This shift could reshape how we all view service work and personal assistance in the years to come.

THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CORVIÈRES A THING OF THE PAST

The exposed frame shows off Iron’s bionic muscles, joints and wiring, giving a clear look at the advanced engineering that powers his realistic movement. (Xpeng)

What does this mean for you

Humanoid robots are moving from concept to reality. You will soon be able to see them in museums or stores. Their skills could speed up service and reduce waiting times. These robots could also raise new questions about security, privacy and comfort. Change is happening quickly, and this moment marks a major shift in how robots fit into everyday life.

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Xpeng’s next-generation humanoid robot Iron speaks to the media during a tour of the exhibition hall of its headquarters in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province, 5 November 2025. (JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images)

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Xpeng wanted to draw attention to their new humanoid, but received way more attention after people doubted what they were seeing. This dramatic reveal was intended to restore trust and show a future where robots can move and react with true precision. The next two years will determine how these machines are used in the real world.

Would you be excited or uncomfortable approaching a realistic robot in a public place? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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