Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng is doubling down on his vision to transform the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant into a “physical AI” powerhouse, taking the reins of the firm’s robotics arm just months before its humanoids are set for mass production. In an internal memo sent on Wednesday and seen by the South China Morning Post, He said he would personally serve as head of the robotics department. Characterising the move as a strategic pivot, He said the unit had reached “a turning point.