A demonstration of XPeng’s humanoid robot, known as Iron, took an unexpected turn during a recent event in Shenzhen, China. The robot, which has garnered attention for its lifelike design and movements, stumbled and fell flat during a performance, resulting in audible laughter from the audience. The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media and prompted a response from XPeng’s co-founder and CEO, He Xiaopeng.
During the event held on January 31, 2026, Iron showcased its capabilities by walking across a marbled floor. However, things went awry when the robot began twisting its back in an unnatural motion, leading to a dramatic fall. Video footage shared online shows a bystander attempting to cushion Iron’s fall, while it ultimately took three people to lift the 154-pound robot away from the curious onlookers. Some audience members were caught chuckling as the robot was carried off, reinforcing the light-hearted nature of the mishap.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with many netizens joking that Iron’s fall disproves suspicions that the robot is merely a human in disguise. As the South China Morning Post reported, the footage quickly circulated across social media platforms, prompting a public statement from He Xiaopeng. In his Weibo post, he likened the situation to how toddlers learn to walk, stating, “After a fall, they will stand firm; the next step is to begin running, and to keep running.”
XPeng’s marketing efforts seemed rattled by the negative publicity, with the robot appearing strapped to a frame in subsequent demonstrations. This incident is not isolated, as other humanoid robots have encountered similar challenges. For example, a viral video recently showed a Tesla Optimus robot collapsing after its operator removed their headset.
Humanoid robotics remains a challenging field, with several manufacturers encountering difficulties in maintaining stability. A notable example is the Russian humanoid robot AIdol, which has also been seen stumbling during public demonstrations.
In contrast, some companies have successfully developed robust robots. Chinese manufacturer Unitree has made strides with its G1 robot, which has exhibited remarkable resilience. It has withstood various tests, including a dropkick and being pulled by a chain. Recently, a G1 robot even mapped the Winter Olympics logo by walking 130,000 steps in extreme cold conditions in northern China, where temperatures dropped to -52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite the recent setback, XPeng is optimistic about the future of its humanoid robot. The company aims to initiate large-scale mass production of Iron by the end of this year, despite the challenges that lie ahead. The ambition to push forward in the rapidly evolving field of robotics highlights the determination of companies like XPeng to innovate, even in the face of setbacks.
