Humanoid robots have long been a topic of hype, with companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics leading the charge. However, behind this hype is real progress, with advancements in physical capabilities and AI techniques making complex robots more capable of learning various tasks. This progress has spurred a new wave of companies, particularly Chinese automakers, to invest in humanoid robots.

Xpeng’s robotics unit recently raised over $900 million, making it the largest single-round private financing in China’s “embodied AI” industry. Other Chinese automakers like Chery Automobile and BYD are also preparing for IPOs and unveiling their own humanoid robots. Xpeng, in particular, is closely following Tesla’s lead in autonomy and robotics, with their humanoid robot, Iron, designed for commercial deployment. These Chinese automakers bring a manufacturing edge to the table but are still working to catch up to Tesla’s advancements in AI.

Overall, the race for commercial deployment of humanoid robots is heating up, with companies like Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Hyundai making significant strides. With a focus on scalability and profitability, the future of humanoid robots in various industries looks promising.