- Li Auto is reportedly developing robots through a secret project codenamed "Nexus" and plans to release its first two-wheeled robot later this year.
- Li Auto's strategy is similar to Tesla's, opting to iterate its robotics technology in closed factory environments first.
Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI, HKG: 2015) is advancing a robotics project codenamed "Nexus" and plans to launch its first two-wheeled robot for factory manufacturing later this year, according to a Thursday report by local media outlet 21jingji.
The move marks Li Auto's latest effort to transform into an embodied AI company as it faces challenges in its core automotive business.
Li Xiang, founder, chairman, and CEO of Li Auto, said at an internal meeting in January that 2026 will be the final window to become a leading AI company. He noted the company will further strengthen its brand positioning as an embodied AI firm, rather than just creating a mobile home.
Beyond vehicles, the company will introduce humanoid robots and unveil them as soon as possible, the Li Auto CEO said in January.
Li Auto has planned two products under its humanoid robot team: a two-wheeled robot and a bipedal robot, according to 21jingji.
The two-wheeled robot product is currently ready and, ideally, will be released in the middle of this year, primarily for use in factory manufacturing scenarios.
Li Auto's strategy mirrors that of Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), choosing to iterate its technology in closed factory settings first, the report noted.
The company's first robot adopts a wheeled design, considering that wheeled robots are more stable than humanoid devices and can meet the demands of long working hours.
The Nexus team is currently classified as a top-secret internal project at Li Auto, with hardware research and development led by He Junpei, a former hardware partner at robotics startup Jiuguang Intelligent, according to 21jingji.
Along with the rollout of the robotics business, Li Auto's R&D management has experienced personnel changes. Following the departure of former autonomous driving head Lang Xianpeng, Zhan Yifei has taken full charge of the robotics business.
As competition in the domestic auto market intensifies, multiple Chinese automakers are crowding into the AI and robotics race.
Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV, HKG: 9868) has already launched and iterated its humanoid robot products. Late last month, it announced plans to begin building a humanoid robot factory in the first quarter, aiming for mass delivery in 2026.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866) has not yet announced any moves in the robotics field. However, its founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said in an internal employee speech on January 14 that the company will increase its bets on AI this year to enhance product competitiveness and operational efficiency.
