Li Auto is advancing a robotics initiative under a project codenamed “Nexus” and plans to launch its first two-wheeled robot for use in factory manufacturing later this year, according to a report by Chinese media outlet 21jingji.
The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand beyond electric vehicles and position itself as an embodied artificial intelligence company, as competition intensifies in China’s automotive market.
Founder, chairman and chief executive Li Xiang said during an internal meeting in January that the coming year would be critical for the company’s transition into the AI sector. “2026 will be the final window to become a leading AI company,” Li said, adding that the firm aims to strengthen its identity as an embodied AI company rather than solely an automaker focused on building “a mobile home.”
According to the report, Li Auto’s robotics team is developing two types of products: a two-wheeled robot designed for industrial use and a bipedal humanoid robot intended for future applications.
The two-wheeled robot is reportedly ready for release and could be introduced around the middle of the year, primarily for deployment in manufacturing environments.
The strategy resembles the approach taken by Tesla, which has also focused on developing robotics technology within controlled factory environments before wider deployment.
Li Auto’s initial robot design uses wheels rather than legs, a choice the company believes offers greater stability and reliability for extended operational use in factory settings.
The Nexus robotics programme is described as a top-secret internal project within Li Auto. Hardware development for the initiative is led by He Junpei, a former hardware partner at robotics startup Jiuguang Intelligent, according to the report.
The robotics programme has also coincided with changes in the company’s research and development leadership. Following the departure of former autonomous driving chief Lang Xianpeng, Zhan Yifei has taken responsibility for overseeing the robotics business.
Chinese automakers have increasingly expanded into artificial intelligence and robotics as competition in the electric vehicle sector intensifies.
Xpeng has already introduced several iterations of humanoid robots and announced plans last month to begin construction of a humanoid robot factory in the first quarter, targeting mass deliveries in 2026.