XPeng Motors’ Dogotix Secures $900M Funding

XPeng’s Dogotix unit is developing the IRON humanoid robot. Source: XPeng

Following the lead of other major global automakers, XPeng Motors is expanding its operations into the humanoid robotics sector. The electric vehicle maker announced today that its Dogotix robotics subsidiary has secured over $900 million in its inaugural funding round, establishing a pre-money valuation of $5 billion and a post-transaction valuation exceeding $6.3 billion.

According to XPeng, the capital will be deployed to advance both hardware and software development, gather operational data, train physical AI models, establish mass-production facilities, and facilitate global expansion. Established in 2016 in Shenzhen, China, Dogotix will continue to operate as a subsidiary of XPeng, with He Ziaopeng serving as CEO for both entities.

Founded in 2014, Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co., known as XPeng, aims to emerge as a global leader in AI-driven mobility. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, the company designs its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology and in-car operating systems in-house, with the majority of its manufacturing occurring at facilities within China.

XPeng launched its first robotaxi based on its GX platform in May, yet it continues to pursue profitability, according to The Wall Street Journal.

XPeng plans to scale robot production

XPeng intends to manufacture 1,000 IRON humanoid robots per month by the end of 2026. Designed for use in retail environments and industrial campuses, the dexterous robot is scheduled for commercial delivery starting in 2027.

Dogotix has also engineered quadruped and tracked robots for applications in smart homes, logistics, power inspection, and security. As an early-stage enterprise, the company reported losses for both 2024 and 2025.

Other automakers actively engaged in humanoid development include Hyundai, which is testing Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, and Tesla, which is preparing for large-scale production of its Optimus robot. BMW Group has already deployed Figure AI’s Figure 03 following testing phases. These manufacturers recognize the substantial market potential for mass-produced complex machinery and electronics.

Editor’s note: Humanoid robotics development will be the focus of a session track at RoboBusiness 2026, taking place on October 20 and 21 in Santa Clara, Calif. Participating companies include Agility, AgiBot, Apptronik, Core Matter Labs, ForceN, Kollmorgen, Persona AI, PSYONIC, and Synapticon. Register now to attend.

Humanoid investment continues to climb

IDG Capital led the funding round for XPeng, with strategic investors including Alibaba and Tencent. Gaorong Ventures, which also backed autonomous vehicle developer Momenta and humanoid robot startup AgiBot, participated in the round, as reported by Reuters.

XPeng stated that it has set a record for a single private financing deal in China’s embodied AI sector. The company’s valuation aligns with that of other recent recipients of funding for humanoid robots:

Investors have contributed more than $8.7 billion in venture capital to humanoid robotics companies so far this year, according to Dealroom.co. The report notes that two-thirds of this funding has been directed toward Chinese companies.

Meanwhile, it remains uncertain how and when these companies will generate commercial value. For example, Unitree’s stock surged by approximately 460% following its initial public offering, only to subsequently drop by 44% from that peak.