Xiaomi Deploys Humanoid Robots in Beijing EV Factory for Production Trials
Xiaomi has initiated a trial of its CyberOne humanoid robots on the assembly line at its electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Beijing. According to company president Lu Weibing in an interview with CNBC, the robots successfully completed more than 90% of their assigned duties during a three-hour operational shift.
Robots Handle Key Tasks in High-Speed Production Environment
The two CyberOne units are performing essential functions such as installing nuts and transporting materials. This aligns with the factory's rapid production tempo, where a new electric vehicle is assembled every 76 seconds. Lu Weibing emphasized that the robots are currently in a developmental phase, referring to them as "interns" rather than fully operational employees.
"The robots in our production lines weren't doing an official job—more like the interns," he stated during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, tempering expectations about their immediate role.
China's Intensifying Race in Humanoid Robotics
Xiaomi is not alone in advancing humanoid robots for practical industrial applications. Other Chinese firms, including electric vehicle startup XPeng and smartphone manufacturer Honor, have also introduced their own humanoid models. Analysts from RBC Capital Markets project the global humanoid robot market to reach a staggering $9 trillion by 2050, with China anticipated to dominate over 60% of this sector.
China already leads the world in the deployment of industrial robots. However, the integration of bipedal, AI-powered humanoids working alongside human staff on fast-paced production lines represents a significant technological leap. Xiaomi's trial is among the earliest real-world demonstrations of this capability in action.
Long Road Ahead for Humanoid Robot Commercialization
Lu Weibing expressed optimism about robotics, stating Xiaomi remains "bullish" on the field, but he acknowledged it is "too early to say" how large the market will eventually become. The CyberOne robot, first revealed in 2022, is still not available for commercial purchase.
A promotional video released by Xiaomi depicts the two robots positioned at opposite ends of the assembly line, meticulously applying lug nuts to a vehicle chassis. While the process is not exceptionally fast—human workers could potentially perform the task more quickly—the ability of humanoid robots to synchronize with a 76-second production cycle marks a notable achievement.
In the United States, Elon Musk is directing Tesla toward robotics and artificial intelligence, converting its Fremont factory to manufacture Optimus humanoid robots after discontinuing Model S and X production in January.
