Former Xiaopeng VP Becomes COO of Zhongqing Robotics

According to multiple independent sources, Chen Yonghai, former Vice President of Product at XPeng Group, has joined Zhongqing Robotics as Chief Operating Officer. He will report directly to Chairman and CEO Zhao Tongyang, and the appointment has been confirmed by several people familiar with the matter.

Chen previously served as head of product operations at Amap, before joining XPeng in 2022 to lead its product center. He left XPeng in January this year. In his new role, he will take charge of day-to-day operations and overall management, helping the company scale its humanoid robot business.

Zhongqing Robotics is dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of general-purpose humanoid robots. Chen's extensive experience in both internet and automotive sectors is expected to bring mature product development and operational expertise to the firm. As the humanoid robot industry heats up, senior appointments like this are deemed critical for startups to streamline production and boost market competitiveness. His arrival signals a strategic step for Zhongqing as it prepares for mass production and broader deployment. This move also highlights the increasing crossover between the EV and robotics industries.