- Li Auto is developing a two-wheeled robot under the Nexus robotics program for factory operations.
- The company is expanding its strategy toward embodied AI alongside its automotive business.
The Li Auto robotics project Nexus is moving toward real-world deployment as the Chinese automaker prepares to introduce its first two-wheeled factory robot later this year. The initiative reflects the company’s broader ambition to evolve beyond vehicle manufacturing and position itself as a major player in embodied artificial intelligence technologies.
According to reports from Chinese media outlet 21jingji, the robotics system is currently ready for deployment and will initially be used in factory manufacturing environments. The move highlights how automotive manufacturers are increasingly exploring robotics and AI to improve operational efficiency and automation.
Strategic Push Toward Embodied AI
The robotics initiative is part of a larger transformation strategy at Li Auto. Founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang stated during an internal meeting that 2026 represents a critical timeline for the company to establish itself as a leading AI-focused enterprise.
The company intends to strengthen its brand identity around embodied AI rather than positioning itself solely as a smart vehicle manufacturer. As part of this vision, robotics technologies—including humanoid machines—are expected to become an important component of the company’s long-term product ecosystem.
Two Robotics Platforms Under Development
The robotics program includes two primary product concepts currently under development:
- A two-wheeled robot designed for factory manufacturing environments
- A bipedal humanoid robot intended for broader automation applications
The wheeled design was selected for the first generation because it offers higher operational stability compared with humanoid robots while supporting extended working hours in industrial settings.
Closed Factory Deployment Strategy
The Li Auto robotics project Nexus follows a development approach similar to strategies used by other technology companies entering robotics. Initial deployment will occur in controlled factory environments where systems can be tested, improved, and iterated rapidly.
This approach allows engineering teams to refine navigation, perception, and operational capabilities before expanding robotics usage to more complex real-world scenarios.
Leadership and Development Team
The Nexus robotics program is considered a confidential internal project within the company. Hardware research and development is reportedly led by He Junpei, a former hardware partner at robotics startup Jiuguang Intelligent.
At the organizational level, robotics development is currently overseen by Zhan Yifei following the departure of former autonomous driving head Lang Xianpeng. These internal adjustments reflect a broader restructuring of research and development leadership as the company accelerates its robotics and AI initiatives.
Rising Robotics Competition Among Chinese Automakers
The robotics initiative emerges amid intensifying competition across China’s automotive industry. Several manufacturers are now investing heavily in AI-driven technologies to enhance both manufacturing capabilities and product competitiveness.
Xpeng has already introduced humanoid robot prototypes and recently announced plans to construct a dedicated humanoid robot factory, targeting large-scale deliveries by 2026.
Meanwhile, Nio has not yet formally entered the robotics segment, though its leadership has signaled increased investment in artificial intelligence technologies aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and product innovation across the company’s ecosystem.
The expansion of robotics programs among automakers reflects a broader shift in the industry, where AI, automation, and intelligent machines are becoming increasingly integrated into manufacturing and mobility innovation strategies.
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