A remarkably lifelike humanoid robot unveiled by the Chinese automaker XPENG has captivated audiences, blurring the line between human and machine. Presented at the company’s 2025 Tech Day event on November 5, the robot displayed natural facial expressions and human-like motion that left many viewers convinced it was a person in disguise.
To dispel the rumors, XPENG CEO He Xiaopeng published a follow-up video where engineers unzipped the robot’s back, revealing its mechanical interior. The presentation, widely shared on Chinese social media, became a viral phenomenon.
“According to Global Times, the robot, known as IRON, features 82 degrees of freedom across its body, a human-like spine, bionic muscles, and flexible synthetic skin designed to simulate realistic motion.”
During a live demo, engineers also cut open part of IRON’s leg covering to expose its metallic joints. The machine continued walking steadily, demonstrating its internal mechanisms in motion.
XPENG noted that IRON operates on a solid-state battery and is intended for service-oriented roles such as reception duties and patrol operations. The project highlights China’s accelerating advancements in AI and robotics, from self-driving technologies to humanoids capable of complex, autonomous actions.
XPENG’s unveiling of the humanoid robot IRON showcased China’s rapid leap in robotics, blending lifelike design and engineering precision that stunned global audiences.