Chinese automotive company XPeng faced an unexpected setback during a recent demonstration of its humanoid robot, known as Iron, on January 31, 2026. The event took place at a shopping mall in Shenzhen, where the bipedal robot showcased its capabilities but ended up faceplanting on the marbled floor, much to the surprise and amusement of onlookers.
During the demonstration, Iron initially captivated the audience with its lifelike movements and impressive “catwalk” gait. However, things took a turn when the robot began twisting its back unnaturally and subsequently fell over with a loud thud. Footage from the event shows several individuals rushing to assist as Iron’s 154-pound frame was carried away, eliciting chuckles from the crowd.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, prompting He Xiaopeng, co-founder and CEO of XPeng, to respond on Weibo. He compared the robot’s fall to that of a toddler learning to walk, stating, “After a fall, they will stand firm; the next step is to begin running, and to keep running.”
Mixed Reactions and Corporate Response
The fallout from the demonstration highlighted the challenges XPeng faces in developing stable bipedal robots. Following the negative press coverage, the company took precautionary measures during subsequent demonstrations, strapping Iron to a frame to ensure it remained upright.
XPeng is not alone in encountering difficulties with humanoid robots. Other manufacturers have also faced similar challenges. Recent viral videos include one showing a human teleoperator inadvertently causing Tesla’s Optimus robot to collapse after removing their headset. Additionally, a Russian humanoid robot named AIdol was seen stumbling during a public display.
Conversely, some companies have made significant advancements in robot stability. Unitree, a Chinese robotics manufacturer, has developed its G1 robot to withstand various stresses, successfully executing tasks under extreme conditions. For instance, one G1 robot mapped out the Winter Olympics logo after taking 130,000 steps across a frozen landscape in northern China, despite temperatures dropping to -52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Looking Ahead: XPeng’s Ambitious Plans
Despite the recent mishap, XPeng remains committed to the large-scale mass production of Iron by the end of the year. The company aims to improve the robot’s performance and reliability, as it seeks to position itself as a leader in the humanoid robotics market.
While setbacks in technology are not uncommon, XPeng’s ability to learn from this experience could play a crucial role in its future success. The world will be watching closely as XPeng continues its journey in the robotics industry, aiming for advancements that could redefine the capabilities of humanoid machines.
