You might assume that Tesla has the humanoid robot stage to itself, but several Chinese automakers are also sprinting toward the same goal. Among them, EV startup Xpeng is taking the lead, planning to start production of its humanoid robot in late 2026 with ambitions to sell millions of them around the globe.

Over the past several years, Xpeng’s flagship robot has progressed from an autonomous dog similar to what Boston Dynamics pioneered, and has now entered its seventh generation and morphed into Iron, a humanoid robot very similar to the Tesla Bot.

Read: Xpeng Is Turning Its EVs Into Long-Distance Hybrids With Nearly 1,000 Miles Of Range

Iron runs on Xpeng’s in-house Vision-Language-Action 2.0 AI model and made its debut at a lavish launch event in China.

In a rather theatrical move, Xpeng silenced skeptics who suggested the figure on stage was a person in disguise. After clips of Iron walking in a pristine white suit spread online, rumors surfaced that it was simply a performer inside the shell.

To dispel any doubt, Xpeng brought Iron out onto the stage and proceeded to cut open the robot’s leg, revealing the mechanical components found within.

The Robot Potential

Xpeng chief executive and co-founder He Xiaopeng believes that producing humanoid robots like Iron will eventually come down to the same cost as manufacturing cars. He also sees “the market potential for robots is greater than that for cars”, revealing that the robot will be present in Xpeng stores, office parks, and factories by the end of next year.

According to JPMorgan, Xpeng’s next big leap in 2026–27 depends on how well its wider AI empire comes together, a mix of robotaxis, humanoid robots, and even flying cars. The American bank’s report predicts the robotaxi arm alone could add between US$6 billion and US$19 billion in value by 2035, while the humanoid side might deliver as much as US$24 billion by 2027, assuming all those timelines hold.

It’s not just Xpeng diving headfirst into robotics.

Who Else Is Building?

As reported by the South China Morning Post, Chery is collaborating with AI developer Aimoga on a humanoid robot called Mornine. Meanwhile, BYD, GAC, and Seres are pouring millions into robotic projects of their own, and Nio has announced plans for a robotic dog

Across China, more than two million robots are estimated to be already operate in factories, and that figure is set to keep climbing as automation becomes a cornerstone of industrial strategy.

Source: South China Morning Post

Toyota’s booth at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show brimmed with futuristic ideas, from spider-like delivery bots to a six-wheeled Lexus minivan. Yet among all the tech-heavy marvels, one creation charmed visitors more than any other: the Kids Mobi, a self-driving, bubble-shaped EV made exclusively for children.

More: Honda Shogo Is A Tiny EV That Brings Joy To Hospitalized Kids

Framed as a “safe and secure AI-powered personal mobility for kids,” the concept blurs the line between toy and vehicle. It has a smooth, pod-like body with enclosed wheels and animated LED “eyes” that mimic expressions.

Even the sensors on the roof are shaped like ears, with the whole thing being reminiscent of an animated character.

The canopy, lifted straight from a sci-fi sketchbook, swings upward to reveal a snug single seat built for children up to 130 cm tall (about 4 feet 3 inches). Once inside, the canopy closes and an AI assistant called the “UX Friend” comes to life, chatting and playing with the young passenger throughout the ride.

While the Kids Mobi obviously relies on autonomous tech for navigation, Toyota says children can still participate in the drive, giving them a sense of control.

“It’s not just adults who want to drive and enjoy some time to themselves,” the company explains. “Kids also want freedom of mobility. And just as adults have cars, kids deserve a trusty sidekick.”

Letting a child ride solo in an autonomous pod may sound like science fiction at best and unsettling at worst, but Toyota argues it could eventually prove safer than a traditional school bus.

For now, the Kids Mobi remains a concept, though it reflects what the automaker calls the “ultimate goal” of its AI x Robotics Data Center. That means the idea will keep evolving long after the show floor closes.

Still, the project represents the “ultimate goal” of the automaker’s AI x Robotics Data Center, so development will continue.

More: Toyota Wants To Teach Your Kids To Drive With Camatte Petta Concept

Until the Kids Mobi is ready to hit the road (or, more likely, the bike lane and sidewalk), visitors of the Japan Mobility Show can check it out up close and snap a photo with it. Toyota will also give each kid an original keychain as a souvenir.

Another Kid-Friendly Concept

Interestingly, the 2025 lineup at the show includes another Toyota concept that could serve as a helpful companion for toddlers.

The Chibibo is a quadruped robot that walks alongside people and vehicles serving as a last-mile delivery solution. A shown in the official renderings, it could help a child carry their backpack, lunchbox, or any other item that would be too heavy for them.

The spider-like design allows the robot to navigate narrow alleyways and climb stairs, taking parcels to places that vehicles can’t. When idle, it crouches down into a resting pose, much like a loyal robotic pet.

Toyota

Interest in small EVs continues to grow, and this year’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo looks set to highlight how compact design and electric efficiency can go hand in hand. Suzuki’s lineup for 2025 brings that idea to life with a mix of concept and production models.

The company’s showcase is headlined by the world premiere of the Vision e-Sky concept, a preview of a fully electric kei car that will enter production in the near future.

Compact Optimism

According to the company, the minicar is designed for daily commuting and short weekend trips. It follows the theme of “Unique, Smart, Positive” and aims to evoke a “cheerful” mood. It also appears to be the first vehicle to adopt Suzuki’s redesigned logo, featuring a flatter design and a matte aluminum finish.

More: Suzuki Irons Out A New Logo For The First Time In Over 20 Years

The Vision e-Sky adopts a hatchback silhouette with a short hood, minimal overhangs, a floating roof, and clean surfacing. The C-shaped LED headlights are combined with an illuminated grille and matching taillights. It rides on futuristic aero-style wheel covers and features flush door handles, although these might change for production.

In line with kei car packaging regulations, the EV measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall. Suzuki didn’t reveal the specifications of the electric motor or the battery pack but promises a driving range of over 270 km (168 miles) between charges.

Suzuki

The interior looks close to production status. It features a digital cockpit, a floating center tunnel, ambient lighting, and a dashboard that doubles as a tray. We can also see touch-sensitive A/C controls, a futuristic steering wheel with integrated buttons, and new seats with purple headrests.

More: Suzuki’s Quirky Crossover Hides More Than A Fresh Face

The production version of the Vision e-Sky will arrive within the Japanese fiscal year 2026, which ends on March 31, 2027. As with the rest of Suzuki’s kei car lineup, sales will most likely be limited in Japan.

Other Exhibits

The Vision e-Sky will be joined by several two- and four-wheel vehicles, along with robots, micro-mobility solutions and outboard motors from Suzuki’s product lineup.

Among the automobiles we find the e Every Concept, an electric kei van with a 200 km (124-mile) range. First shown in 2023, it will soon evolve into a production model alongside the identical Daihatsu Hijet and Toyota Pixis Van.

Suzuki will also display the Fronx FFV Concept, powered by ethanol, and the Vitoris CBG that runs on CNG. As for production vehicles, visitors will be able to check out the new Suzuki XBee, along with the Spacia, e-Vitara, and Jimny Nomad.

Suzuki

Two Wheels and More

In the two-wheel segment, Suzuki will showcase a fully electric version of the classic VanVan motorcycle updated with modern styling cues and LED lighting.

It will be joined by the e-Address production electric scooter, the DR-Z4SM supermoto, the retro-flavored GSX-8T and GSX-8TT production motorcycles, the GSX-R1000R superbike, the ethanol-powered GIXXER SF 250 FFV, a hydrogen-powered version of the Burgman, and the e-PO folding electric bicycle.

More: Honda To Reveal Two Mystery World Premieres At Tokyo Show

The company will also display a range of mobility solutions, some of which are evolved versions of earlier 2023 concepts. These include the MOQBA 2, a four-legged platform that can carry people or products, the SUZU-RIDE 2, a four-wheeled personal mobility scooter, and the Glydways, an autonomous pod designed for car sharing.

Finally, the MITRA concept is a tiny four-wheeled electric vehicle with AI tech designed to serve as undercarriage for a variety of robots.

The Japan Mobility Show 2025 will open its doors to the public from October 24 to November 3 at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in the Ariake district.

Suzuki