Automakers Accelerate Humanoid Robot Push Despite Unprofitable EV Sales
According to Shenzhen Business Daily/ReadCreate chief reporter Chen Xiaohui, automakers are accelerating their humanoid robot efforts, with several leading EV startups releasing major signals on the robotics track.
On the evening of Sept. 16, Leapmotor confirmed at its 2026 annual technology day that it has built a fully self-developed robot. The move adds another new player to an already crowded field.
Xpeng Group earlier announced that its robotics business completed a first round of financing, underscoring how automakers are extending autonomous driving, AI, and supply-chain capabilities into humanoid robots.
With EV sales still largely unprofitable, betting on robots offers a potential second growth curve and a way to seize early advantage in embodied intelligence. Despite thin margins from vehicle sales, robot ventures may also improve capital narratives and long-term competitiveness.