Chinese automakers are following Tesla's bet that robots are the next big profit machine
News Source
β’Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:24:27 +0000
π° What Happened
Chinese carmakers are piling into humanoid robots, following Tesla's bet that robots will be the next big money machine. This week, Xpeng's robotics unit raised more than $900 million at a $6.3 billion valuation. The round was led by IDG Capital, with Tencent and Alibaba also taking part.
Chery's robotics unit AiMOGA is reportedly preparing an IPO, and BYD showed off a humanoid robot called Xiao Di. Other automakers like Changan, GAC, Li Auto, SAIC, and Seres are working on robots too. Xpeng is seen as the one that watches Tesla the closest.
π The Backstory
Humanoid robots have been hyped for years, thanks to Tesla's Optimus and Boston Dynamics' Atlas. Behind the hype, real progress is happening. Researchers now think the AI methods behind chatbots can teach robots almost any physical task.
Making cars and making robots use similar skills, like building motors, sensors, and smart software. That is why automakers think they have an edge. Xpeng founder He Xiaopeng is a tech billionaire known for moving fast, and he has made robots a big part of his plan.
π― Why It Matters
Humanoid robots could one day work in homes, factories, and hospitals. If they become cheap and common, they will change what jobs look like. Watching who builds them tells us who will profit from that future.
Chinese carmakers are piling into humanoid robots, following Tesla's bet that robots will be the next big money machine. This week, Xpeng's robotics unit raised more than $900 million at a $6.3 billion valuation. The round was led by IDG Capital, with Tencent and Alibaba also taking part.
Chery's robotics unit AiMOGA is reportedly preparing an IPO, and BYD showed off a humanoid robot called Xiao Di. Other automakers like Changan, GAC, Li Auto, SAIC, and Seres are working on robots too. Xpeng is seen as the one that watches Tesla the closest.
Humanoid robots have been hyped for years, thanks to Tesla's Optimus and Boston Dynamics' Atlas. Behind the hype, real progress is happening. Researchers now think the AI methods behind chatbots can teach robots almost any physical task.
Making cars and making robots use similar skills, like building motors, sensors, and smart software. That is why automakers think they have an edge. Xpeng founder He Xiaopeng is a tech billionaire known for moving fast, and he has made robots a big part of his plan.
Humanoid robots could one day work in homes, factories, and hospitals. If they become cheap and common, they will change what jobs look like. Watching who builds them tells us who will profit from that future.