Chinese EV maker Xpeng to launch robotaxis, humanoid robots with self-developed AI chips

Core Insights - Xpeng is set to launch robotaxis in 2026, marking a shift from its previous stance that such a business would not materialize soon [1][4] - The company aims to position itself beyond just an electric vehicle manufacturer, similar to its competitor Tesla [1] Group 1: Robotaxi Development - Xpeng announced the launch of three robotaxi models utilizing four self-developed "Turing" AI chips, boasting the highest in-car computing power globally at 3,000 TOPS [2] - The robotaxi will feature an external display for speed and other information on the vehicle's sun visors, with testing planned in Guangzhou and other Chinese cities next year [4] - The strategy includes two categories of vehicles: commercial self-driving shared vehicles and fully autonomous personal cars for family use [6] Group 2: AI and Technology Integration - The Turing AI chips power Xpeng's "vision-language-action (VLA)" model, which is designed for applications in driverless cars and robotics [3] - A partnership with Alibaba's AutoNavi and Amaps app will enhance the robotaxi's digital mapping and ride-hailing capabilities [3] - Xpeng's co-president noted that advancements in AI and computing power have accelerated the timeline for robotaxis, indicating a near inflection point for the technology [5]